Mac Power 1997 October/MACPOWER-1997-10.ISO.7z/MACPOWER-1997-10.ISO/AMUG/GAME/Realmz 4.2.2.sit/Realmz™ 4.2.2ƒ/Scenarios/Assault On Giant Mountain/Data SD2

Text File | 1997-01-10 | 251KB | 2 lines

Do Not Use                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     □Who is the brave volunteer?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    %You find a small fortune in treasure!                                                                                                                                                                                                                          #You see a large hole in the ground.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ｹYou stumble into a cave.  Dreams of drying your possessions over a glowing fire warm your thoughts.  Unfortunately, before you can become too comfortable, you see some foreboding signs.                                                                      ｡The cave is full of gnawed bones and half-eaten fish heads.  Every inch of the place is littered with animal waste.  A quick look shows the place is uninhabited.                                                                                              ~You notice a group of fish-like men approaching the cave.  You could hide and wait them out.  Would you prefer to attack them?                                                                                                                                 ûYou do not notice the arrival of fish-toting shantilies until it is too late.  Dropping their scaly dinner, they charge you on flapping feet.                                                                                                                  ïA small side cave empties a trickling stream into the cave you are now traveling through.  There is no telling how far back this side cave goes.  It's a tight fit. You would have to move along single file if you continue.  Do you continue?                ESince you have to go in single file, what will the marching order be?                                                                                                                                                                                          õYou move about 60 feet before it dead ends.  Searching reveals no way out except the way you came.  Turning back, you pass small openings in the wall.  Snakelike creatures squirm out and attack, biting at your heels as you beat a  hasty retreat.          ﾈThere is a very old-looking shantilie here.  Near death, it slumps on the ground gasping for air.  It has been bitten and is bleeding badly.  Do you try and heal it or do you put it out of its misery?                                                       iAfter the bleeding has been stopped, the beast quickly regains its strength.  It is also quick to attack!                                                                                                                                                      □The barkeep thanks you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        #You hear the lock click.  It opens.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            □You fail to pick the lock.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     dYou see a small group of gnaths.  They seem well-armed and able-bodied.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                                           ™You see a group of monsters in the distance.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                                                                      ｭYou sense that a group of ruffians has been following you.  Eyeing you with wicked sneers, they obviously believe you are easy pickings.  Do you wish to teach them a lesson?                                                                                  {A trained unit of battle reptiles and a war party of gnaths are being  led by a giant trainer.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                    輸s you are wading across the moat, an icy grip clamps around your legs like a steel vise.  You have fallen victim to the creatures that guard the moat!                                                                                                        ｦThe men who guard the bridge challenge you to show your right of passage.  Since you have none, they demand that you turn back under threat of arms.  Do you continue?                                                                                         FHaving crashed the gate, the whole town guard will be after your hide.                                                                                                                                                                                         ðThe river pours through a large grate in the wall here.  Spacing between the grate's bars is much too small to squeeze through.  However, something very large and powerful must have needed to get through, for now there exists a gaping hole.               cPosted on this gate is a placard that reads: "Prison Quarter. No Admittance Without Authorization."                                                                                                                                                            ｾThe dead bodies of two dwarves are washed up on shore.  Badly decomposed, they are almost unrecognizable.  A quick search of their bodies reveals nothing of value but a small vial and a map.                                                                 0You come to a well-stocked but high priced shop.                                                                                                                                                                                                               雄ou come upon a shop.  The sign over the door says, "Ye Ol' Magic Shop".  A great variety of magical items are for sale, but the prices are outrageous.                                                                                                        aYou come upon a public well.  The water appears cool and clear.  Do you sample some of the water?                                                                                                                                                              1Most refreshing!  You refill your water blisters.                                                                                                                                                                                                              òYou find a secret entrance formed to look like the side of the mountain.  As you open the secret door, stale air belches forth with the grace of a swamp sow.  Beyond lies a steep, sloped tunnel that descends into the very bowels of the earth.             RDo you wish to enter this foreboding place now or leave to return at a later date?                                                                                                                                                                             íYou descend for hours down a spiraling passage and emerge into a large underground cavern.  It is overgrown with a spectacular display of flora,  not all of which appears safe to touch.  Denizens of the deep scurry to defend their home.                   連s you step inside the vault, you hear a soft wispy sound.  You ply an ear to determine its source and find that the vault is not completely unoccupied.                                                                                                       ｳAfter defeating the horrible guardians, you witness an amazing sight.  A magic mouth appears before you and cries,  "You have killed my pets!  You shall pay with your very souls!"                                                                            ｸBefore you stands a great iron door set into the very rock of the cavern.  A large keyhole exists seven feet from the ground.  This door must have been made for someone extremely tall.                                                                       OYou come to a chest.  It does not appear to be locked.  Do you wish to open it?                                                                                                                                                                                ｮThis underground river runs very shallow and slow.  It appears to be safe and easy wading into the cave for quite some distance.  Do you wish to enter and see where it leads?                                                                                 KA hob goblin patrol is moving in the distance.  Do you wish to waylay them?                                                                                                                                                                                    ﾞYou enter Castle Fairlawn.  The steward announces you to his lordship, Sir Bradwick, who tells this tale.  "Hundreds of years ago a mighty war was waged.  The men allied with the dwarves and elves to repel a foul invasion.                                 ﾃThe foe was the greatest assembly of evil folk ever known and was led by the wicked race of giants.  As you know from legend, the goodly races won the day and drove the giants from our fair land.                                                            ｲAlas, nothing good can last forever. The giants have returned to vie once again for domination of our land.  We would drive them back again, but things are not as they once were.                                                                             ﾙThe dwarves have become a race of hermits and want nothing to do with the outside world.  They would be just as happy to see the rest of the world fall.  The elves are no better.  They have retreated to Chastity Wood.                                      …Attempts to convince the dwarves and elves to aid us have ended in hot-blooded feuds.  Unfortunately, each blames the other for the giants' return.  I believe no one is to blame.  We must set aside these petty accusations in order to fight our common foe.ïHowever, I am in the minority."  King Bradwick briefly summarizes past and present events before explaining the present tactical position of the human nation.  "During the great wars, the giants beset our land from a set of three citadels.                綉hese citadels have stood empty for many years.  Fearing evil may still dwell there, no one ever dared to enter.  Now there are signs that the giants have returned and taken up refuge once again within these iron-clad citadels.                            ﾕProvokingly, the giants have constructed four military outposts along the border of what long ago served as the front battle line.  These foul outposts have been crowded with evil folk bound to obey their bidding.                                          öOne such outpost is a scant distance from the town of Crystalmire.  The giants and their evil minions raid these outlying towns and cause general havoc.  At this very moment, they are making preparations and plan to lay siege to these very walls.         ﾌAll the dukes and barons of the surrounding lands have been summoned by me to aid us in our struggle.  They may arrive too late.  We cannot count on the dwarves and elves to suddenly come to their senses.                                                   ﾀIf you help us defeat this scourge that has befallen us, I will reward you handsomely.  My steward here can provide you with all the information we possess in regard to our enemy's positions."                                                               ﾗThe steward leads you into a side chamber where he tells you the following information.  "As my liege referred to earlier, the giants have constructed four military outposts from which they send out raiding parties.                                        經py reports show that the first outpost houses ogres.  The second contains hob goblins and the third, gnaths.   The fourth outpost houses minotaur.  Mysteriously, we don't know why the minotaurs are presently aiding the giants.                            ﾘThe minotaurs may be unwilling participants.  We do not know for certain.  This group as a whole is known as the iron foursome.  In addition to these vast garrisons, they have many goblin parties employed as patrols.                                       ïIt will be no picnic. Your specific mission is to attempt to destroy the enemy fortifications, determine who is behind the return of the giants and slay them.  Report all accomplishments in destroying enemy fortifications to Baron McReese.                覈 must be off to attend to my duties.  May Shalem smile upon you, now and always."  The king retreats from the room.  A great adventure lies before you.  It will be dangerous, if not impossible.  The steward shows you to the door.                         :You converse with various officials about your adventures.                                                                                                                                                                                                     ìYou enter Castle Clairmon, home of Lord Oswald.  Treated as special guests, you are shown to the chambers of Lord Oswald.  "You appear to be an adventuresome lot.  I have need of such a group, for I have lost something very dear to me."                   …"Under King Bradwick's orders, I have sent delegates to the dwarves in an attempt to obtain their allegiance in the war before it is too late.  My delegates have returned with both good and bad news.  The good news is that the dwarves have agreed to help.û"Unfortunately, they will not swear allegiance until I return an item of great antiquity and power - the Axe of Ashblet.  Amongst the dwarven clans, it is said that Reorx himself smiles upon those that hold the Axe and pledge their allegiance to him."    ﾟ"Two dwarves in my employ were sent on a quest to find the Axe.  I have not heard from them for some time now, and I fear their demise.  If you could pick up their trail or find the Axe yourselves, I would be in your debt."                                ™After some idle prattle revealing little of importance, he finally provides you a with possible lead. "My hirelings were fond of dwarven ale.  The only place I know that serves such dreck is the Glowing Coal Inn.  Ask the bartender if he knows anything." ﾘHe bids you farewell, and you are escorted to the chamber door.  You ask the footman for directions to the Glowing Coal Inn.   He states that it is a very small inn and not easy to find.  The footman draws you a map.                                       ô"Heard the other day that Brystol Wynn, a little village just south of here, was turnin' into a real ghost town.  All the folks been packin' up and movin' to the city.  Plumb shame, I say.  Church is gettin' more needy folks than it can  feed."           |"There's been talk that Duke Smeltriv is comin' to town today.  Looks like the trouble with them pesky giants is at an end."                                                                                                                                   ‡"Two suspicious fellas, dwarf types, been pokin' around.  Kept whispering about the town watering hole like it was someplace special."                                                                                                                         ﾎ"Fella was in here the other day sayin' he'd seen trolls marchin' this way.  Said the whole pack of filthy vermin were bein' herded by a couple of giants.  Well, I think it ain't nothin' but a crazy rumor."                                                 b"You ask a lot of questions.  How 'bout a little dwarven ale?  I'm tryin' to run a business here."                                                                                                                                                             ûYou overhear a dwarf sobbing in the corner, "I told Chipper not to go lookin' for it.  He never did have any sense.  Always sayin' Reorx left the great Axe on earth to temper it for awhile.  He's just plumb stupid, and he's gone and got himself lost."    ｨYou see a couple of barhands both eyeing you appreciatively.  You have obviously caught their attention.  One comes closer to you but does not say anything of interest.                                                                                       lA gruff-looking dwarf spills some ale on your boots.  He apologizes but then proceeds to belch in your face.                                                                                                                                                   yA crude-looking map has been etched into the old wooden tabletop.  It portrays a well located adjacently to a small lake.                                                                                                                                      ﾍThis is the shack of a gnath commander. Accompanied by several of his underlings, it is obvious that he is not happy to see you.   He also appears uninterested to participate in a mutual exchange of ideas.                                                  íYour search of the hut reveals nothing of  interest or value.  The paper covered table contains information regarding routine patrols.  Nothing is out of the ordinary.  The commander appears to be new to the job and not very trustworthy.                  óYou search the hut.  A small iron box contains a scroll testifying to a secret pact uniting gnaths and ogres together.  Their agreement states, "We will both attack the minotaurs on the appointed day, and they will no longer be the favored..."            QThe ogres and the gnaths are jealous of the minotaurs' status amongst the giants.                                                                                                                                                                              ｩYour attempt to gain entrance to this hut was a horrible mistake.  It is bulging with sweaty bodies standing 7 feet tall.  Suddenly, they charge you without any warning.                                                                                      啜his barracks is occupied by a few gnaths.  They are currently off duty and greatly displeased about having to dispatch your puny force on their time off.                                                                                                     ｶYou approach the gate surrounding the outpost's headquarters.  It is heavily guarded.  A hailstorm of arrows and flaming pitchballs pelts downward as soon as you move within bowshot.                                                                         婪ou are pinned down from missile fire when the gate opens swiftly.  Howling bodies belch forth and bolt in your direction.  The gate slams shut once again.                                                                                                    ｨNearing the end of your search, you discover a wooden door cleverly built into the floor.  Behind it is a tunnel that leads downward.  Do you wish to follow the tunnel?                                                                                       oThe tunnel leads to a small opening in the surface.  You are now within the great wall guarding the main tower.                                                                                                                                                ?You enter the tunnel leading back to the gnath commander's hut.                                                                                                                                                                                                ｻShouts reporting intruders ring out.  Most guards patrolling minor entrances to the tower are called away to form search parties.  Luck has granted a temporary easy entrance to the tower.                                                                    □This cell is empty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            îA human wretch lies imprisoned in this cell.   In such poor health, he could never survive the walk back to civilization.  Do you kill him with mercy and save him from  endless cruel torture or release him to attempt an escape on his own?                 üStepping through the holding area's doorway, he stumbles headlong into a group of gnaths standing in the hallway.  He prays one last time to his god as blood and spittle fall from his lips.  With ugly enjoyment, the gnaths callously kill the poor soul.   紿owever, the gnaths have more important duties than wasting their time on some poor, useless wretch.  They are determined to discover who is responsible for the releasing of prisoners.  Rushing in to investigate, they find you.                            餤he remains of several humanoids lie stacked in the corner.  Their exact race is impossible to tell.  Presumably, they served as food for the creatures secured in this cell.  Unexpectedly, the creatures rush you in an escape attempt.                      ﾞThe creatures appear to be from the nether world.  They are bristling with fangs and claws, they have four arms and are heading right for you.  Do you allow them to pass or do you want to end their existence in the Realmz?                                 晦 stout, but unlocked door.  You smell a familiar scent of confined and decaying bodies.  This must be some kind of prison or holding pen.                                                                                                                     〝his door is also quite sturdy.  However, it was designed to be an obstacle for those  inside.  You easily open the simple latch system.                                                                                                                       ﾝTwo dwarves are chained to the wall.  Although the chains are rusty, the enfeebled dwarves are unable to break them.  You detect the weakest link and pry the chains apart.  They thank you gratefully and exit out the door.                                  úThis door is unlocked.  As you peer inside, you see two large gnaths sitting slouched at a table.  Gaming bones and a pitcher of cheap wine litter the table.   Assigned to keep watch over the rabble in the cells, the guards presently sit fast asleep.     õYou note that a large rope is suspended from the ceiling.  It dangles close to a guard's hand.  On the table next to the gaming bones, lay a few gems and a set of jailer's keys.  Do you wish to try and pilfer the items without waking the guards?          BSuccess!  You furtively pocket the gems and keys without incident.                                                                                                                                                                                             ÷Your foot accidentally kicks a small pebble. It rolls under the table and hits a guard's foot.  He cracks open a bloodshot eye, sees you, and kicks his partner's foot to awaken him.  Realizing that they're outnumbered, they attempt to make a deal.        _If you leave now, they promise not to sound the alarm until you have left.  Do you attack them?                                                                                                                                                                pAs you rush them, one pulls the rope and sounds a gong.  They strive to defend themselves until help can arrive.                                                                                                                                               ﾉBefore the blood ceases to flow from the dead, a detachment of troops arrives to investigate the alarm.  The spectacle of their dead comrades incites them to immediately engage you in an all-out brawl.                                                      オnside, you hear the muffled reply of two dwarves.  They explain that they're  chained to the wall and need your help to break out.                                                                                                                            6The door bursts open in a shower of splintered boards.                                                                                                                                                                                                         cAn immense growl reverberates throughout the room.  The creatures inside are not happy to be there.                                                                                                                                                            □This door is locked.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           &You are certain that there is no trap.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         □You do not detect a trap.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      □The door is too strong.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        弸ou have entered the kitchens.  Two gnaths are busy supervising some goblin cooks.  Upon seeing you, the gnaths command the cooks to take up arms and fight.                                                                                                   *A few gnaths discover you wandering about.                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ﾇSmells drift from kitchen pots and  permeate the air with a foul odor.  You discover old crates containing stolen iron rations.  They must be from a merchant train that never reached its destination.                                                        躓he evening meal, a ogre sits chained against a corner wall.  Frightened beyond belief, the ogre begs you to free him.  You loosen the chains.   He thanks you profusely and vows that at some future date he will repay your kindness.                        ｫJust before leaving, he reveals the following information.  "I was taken prisoner three days ago.  In that time, the leader of this foul band boasted of his evil actions."                                                                                    …"Feeling certain of my ultimate fate, he joyfully recounted his evil deeds both past and present.  My spirit waned, and I felt these hideous secrets would weigh heavily upon my soul until death's release. Yet, I suspect much of it was inventions and lies.ã"I was bound and dragged throughout the upper level of this fortress for two days.  As a result, I know the floor plan quite well."  Before slipping away, he thanks you once again and provides you with a map of the upper floor.                            qYou enter a large barracks.  Many troops are sleeping soundly.  Guards on watch immediately call them to arms.                                                                                                                                                 ｧThis barracks appears to have lain empty for some time.  All the doors are capable of being bolted from the inside. You could rest easily here without being disturbed.                                                                                        ﾍYou have found the armory.  Most of the equipment is fashioned for 7 foot gnaths.  Many items appear to be stolen.   Nearby towns and merchants' wagon trains are obviously being raided on a frequent basis.                                                  ｬJust as you open the door to this long narrow room, you hear movement at the far end.  In such dim lighting, it is impossible to discern what could have produced the noise.                                                                                   îThis is a storage room for dried provisions in case of siege.  Crates and piles of ripped sacks are scattered about.  Gnaw markings reveal that rodents may have gotten into the provisions.  A barrel of fermented wine stands in the corner.                 XYou open the lid on the wine.  The strong, pungent odor nearly knocks you off your feet.                                                                                                                                                                       0You feel dizzy for a moment, but then it passes.                                                                                                                                                                                                               jYour guts begin to churn, and you feel ready to retch.  Horrified, you suspect the wine has been poisoned.                                                                                                                                                     ﾘThe wine spreads along the floor soaking nearby provisions.  You hear a large animal thrashing about.  It soon stops.  Hidden under some crates and sacks, you  discover a giant rat covered in wine.  It is quite dead.                                       ﾜAfter moving some provisions, you inadvertently stumble upon a hole in the wall.  It is just large enough for someone to crawl inside, but they would have very limited movement.  Does someone want to crawl into the hole?                                   ﾛInside the tunnel, the odor of dung and urine assaults your nose.  Soon the tunnel grows too small to continue.  Numerous giant rats attack, bite and scratch.  As you back out, you find a small gem stuck in some grime.                                     淡ith the aid of the wine the flames burn fiercely, you can hear giant rats squeal in pain.   They burn alive until nothing but ash is left behind.                                                                                                             ﾘIn this room, a giant uncomfortably sits on a hard bunk waiting impatiently.   When you enter, he jumps up and declares angrily, "Finally! I must be escorted to Jekar at once.  I have been waiting for over an hour. "                                       ûHe immediately senses your confusion and becomes suspicious.  Your inability to answer a few probing questions reveals that you do not know Jekar and that you are an intruder of the outpost.  The giant gives a deafening bellow and rushes out the door.    öYou deftly search the giant's belongings, and discover that he was delivering new orders to the gnath garrison commander.  Attacks are to be stepped up on the already beleaguered outlying human villages just before a planned fatal all-out attack.         sYou have entered a cloak room.  Many of the cloaks are shabby and falling apart.  However, two seem very well-made.                                                                                                                                            覽his room is very large.  Muddy footprints cross the floor.  Their tracks lead back and forth from this door to another door on the far side of the room.  Miscellaneous pieces of equipment lie about in various states of disrepair.                         ｷThis room is strangely ornate, considering that the occupant is a powerful gnath.  The garrison commander is also unusual in size.  He is quite small - only slightly over 6 feet tall.                                                                        ûSuch a short commander must live by his wit as well as his brawn if he expects to remain in charge.  Bursting into his office,  you find him sitting in a high-backed chair with his hands crossed.   It appears as if your visit is not wholly unexpected.    ﾗ"Welcome!  I heard the commotion outside and have been expecting your arrival for some time now.  You have caused quite a stir around here.  I will have to discipline my commanders for not apprehending you earlier."                                        ｸ"No matter.  Having got this far, your presence here warrants discussion."  He gestures to some chairs with his hand.  "Please, sit down."  Do you sit and listen to what he has to say?                                                                       ø"Very well.  If that is your decision, do not waste any more of my valuable time."  He hurls a glass ball at your feet.   Abruptly, it erupts into tall spurts of green flame.  Smoke chokes your lungs.  Gnaths rush in to aid the garrison commander.        òAt the death of the garrison leader, total chaos erupts.  The various commanders fight for total control of the outpost.  Their foolish lust for power causes their own downfall.  The gnaths no longer pose a threat as you collect all treasure.             膾ou feel a growing sense of unease as his voice rambles on endlessly.  Polite mannerisms cannot hide cold, calculating eyes. It suddenly dawns on you that he is stalling for time, when you are interrupted by a knock on the door.                           ｻYou quickly deal the commander a lethal blow to the head and throw open the door.  You are surprised by a group of young gnaths.  Upon seeing their dead father, they seek to take revenge.                                                                    ﾛThey reluctantly agree and leave.  In a desperate attempt to summon help, the garrison commander makes a break for the door.  You quickly slay him with a blade across the throat.  He slips to the floor in a bloody heap.                                    Оn the garrison commander, you find a small pouch of green glass marbles.  They radiate a strange aura and appear magical in nature.                                                                                                                           wYou collect the items worn by the commander.  You find nothing else of interest in his office except for three potions.                                                                                                                                        AThis room is teeming with garrison troops preparing for a patrol.                                                                                                                                                                                              ｰThis is the garrison commander's personal chambers.  The room is filled with comfortable looking furniture and several chests.  None of the chests hold anything you would want.                                                                               傍he garrison commander's sleeping quarters.  The bed sports a fine down mattress and thick quilts made from humanoid hair woven into artistic designs.                                                                                                         ﾓIn the corner of the room is a large water basin.  As you move it aside, you reveal a small hidden chamber in the stand.  You suspected the garrison commander was capable of casting magic and now you have proof.                                            廣t first glance, this room seems empty.  As you are about to leave you smell a funny odor.  It smells like honey and it is definitely coming from this room.                                                                                                   ﾔThis room is an old staging area for patrols.  Currently it is empty and does not seem to be used very often.  The door is capable of being bolted shut in times of strife.  You could easily rest here undisturbed.                                           傍his room appears empty.  You feel a slight breeze even though you have closed the door behind you.  There must be another way in or out of this room.                                                                                                         ﾊUpon entering this chamber, you notice a  ladder leading to a small guard tower at the summit of the outpost.  You hear several gnath voices above.  Do you wish to ambush the guards or leave them alone?                                                     ðAs you poke your head into the guard room, you are seen by one of the guards.  He pulls a chain that rings a gong and quickly hacks at the point man.  The force of the blow breaks the ladder you are standing on and you all tumble back down.               @You must move up the ladder single file.  Who will lead the way?                                                                                                                                                                                               躓he guards throw a trap door over the hole and secure themselves inside.  You here them shouting an alarm to some gnaths outside the outpost to be on the lookout for intruders.  This will make moving surreptitiously very difficult.                        薺his is a small stable.  There are many horses inside, but you do not see any saddles.  You also have not noticed any gnaths riding horses since you entered the outpost.  You speculate that the horses are being used as livestock.                          GDo you wish to set them free and spare them from the gnath's cookfires?                                                                                                                                                                                        卦he sight of all the horses running loose causes an uproar amongst the gnaths.  It will now be more difficult to move about surreptitiously.                                                                                                                   ｸThese large buildings store dried foodstuffs and large-scale equipment.  Do you wish to set the warehouses on fire in an effort to hinder the gnaths' ability to wage war on the humans?                                                                       úGnaths rush to put out the flames.  You barely escape without being seen.  This will make it difficult to move about surreptitiously.  However, it will be a while before the gnaths can replenish their supplies. This will buy the humans precious time.     澣his room is patrolled by a large group of gnaths.  They attack with uncommon bravado.  You suspect that you are very close to the outpost commander.  The gnaths are of better than average skill and appear to be bodyguards.                                _There is a large force of gnaths guarding the gate.  They obviously expect some type of attack.                                                                                                                                                                XNever too bright, the goblins only guard the gates of this flea trap with a small force.                                                                                                                                                                       ûThe goblins are low on supplies and are packed into this crude hut like sardines.  Two or three goblins squabble over each cot.  Although it's a humorous scene to an outsider, tempers are riding so high someone's throat could get slit over this issue.    øOne monstrous brute of a goblin sits alone and unbothered in the midst of this struggle for bunks.  He lazily lies back sucking the marrow from some bones.  Suddenly, he sees you and immediately bellows orders for his comrades to take you by force.       ｻSix goblins of some considerable girth are playing bones in the center of this small hut.  They are shouting and arguing so loud, they did not hear you enter.  Do you wish to ambush them?                                                                    íYou happen upon a hut full of loudly snoring goblins.  With all their noise, nothing but a shattering earthquake could wake them.  You can hardly believe how lazy and worthless these goblin scum are.  No wonder their outpost is so small.                  ㎤o you wish to wake up these ignorant fools for a fair fight, or would you rather set the hut on fire and let them fry in their sleep?                                                                                                                         ﾒYou wake the goblins and back away to make room as they begin to pour out the door.  There are a lot more than you had thought.  Due to a shortage of bunks and space, many had been sleeping under others' bunks.                                             #The gods of fair play smile on you.                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ﾞThe goblins begin to squeal like stuck pigs as they burn alive.  A few burst from the sides of the straw hut, but the burning straw clings to them and hastens their death.  Many small fuzzy animals will sleep easy tonight.                                 òThe flames alert a small goblin patrol force outside the walls.  Rushing in, they see you gloating over the dead.  Horrified, the small patrol sizes you up and drinks in the terrible scene.  They quickly turn and flee.  Do you wish to pursue?             ﾉTheir puny legs are pumping at a furious rate as they rush out of the gate.  As you clear the gate, you are enveloped by missile fire from your flanks.  The little buggers are smarter than you thought.                                                      餾ou come upon one of the most repulsive sights you have ever seen.  A four foot goblin that must weigh over three hundred pounds is sitting inside an unusually well-built hut.  Every inch of this sick creature is warty green blubber.                      ™Having witnessed your coming, he is now huddled in the corner shivering in terror. Fine robes adorn his body, and many jeweled rings decorate his fat fingers. The rings must be quite old, for the fat on his fingers will allow only one method of  removal. 礬e observes you eyeing his jewelry and guesses your thoughts.  "Please, please! Oh, great warriors! Don't hurt me.  My name is Thoode, and I can be of great assistance to you.  Spare me, and I shall give you all that you ask!"                             ©The foul creature grovels at your feet, wallowing in self-pity.  You view him with disdain.  Your eyes speak of extinction. He offers to tell you a great secret if you spare his unworthy carcass.  Do you agree, or do you cut up his fingers for the loot?  瓧efore you can move, he swallows something.  He begins to gag and tremble. Foam spews from between clenched teeth.  He is now missing one of his front teeth.  He spits a stream of the poisonous, reeking foam into your face.                                ｯHe suddenly pitches forward.  Ribs crack as his bulk slams the hard ground.  You quickly relieve him of his prized possessions.  If only he would have prized his life as much.                                                                                工e kicks some dirt away from a small box  buried in the dirt.  "It's in there, fine people.  What you seek is in there."      Who digs it up?                                                                                                                  òHe pulls the top off the worm-eaten box, plucks out a vial, and holds it aloft.  "Hold, stupid fools!  If you don't, I will smash this vial of soul-stealing at your feet.  None have felt its effects and lived!"  Do you rush him or let him go?             -You quickly put an end to his miserable life.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  □The vial turns out to be a bottle of harmless lilac water.  The box contains another empty bottle and some worthless documents.                                                                                                                                rAs you are digging up the old box, Thoode slips out the door and disappears.  The box contains some magical items.                                                                                                                                             ﾀA large structure that houses a company of minotaur soldiers.  One in particular stands out as the commander and pushes his way to the front of his troops.  He begins to make ready for battle.                                                               ;This gate is guarded by a medium-sized contingent of ogres.                                                                                                                                                                                                    鎬ade of rough lumber, this large building is constructed very poorly.  The boards have been nailed together in a very crude manner.  By peering through the gaps, you can easily make out a huge ogre surrounded by many of his fellows.                       禝he leader is gloating over a human female.  His prisoner is tied down to the top of a table.  Saliva dribbles from his massive fangs as he laughs at her predicament.  He is poking her with a sharpened stick and drawing blood.                             &Do you wish to rush in and rescue her?                                                                                                                                                                                                                         CThe woman appears to be unconscious.  Do you wish to cut her loose?                                                                                                                                                                                            ､The moment she is free, she jumps up from the table and points at one of the dead ogres.  She begins to chant a magic spell.  Do you attack her before she finishes?                                                                                           gShe completes the spell, and several of the ogres rise.  She points to you and commands them to attack.                                                                                                                                                        LThe shoreline grows too cluttered to continue.  You are forced to turn back.                                                                                                                                                                                   薺he footing amid this terrain is tricky and unsafe.  Some of your party slip on the slime-covered rocks, fall in the stagnant water, and gulp down its nasty swill.  Slipping and sliding, you're finally able to crawl your way out.                          連 temple dedicated to the worship of Triby, goddess of the whispering winds.  A regal-looking man approaches and offers to perform services...for a fee.                                                                                                       qYou discover a cleverly concealed tunnel.   Several prisoners must have worked together to dig a means of escape.                                                                                                                                              ﾋYou come to a dead-end.  A large cave-in has collapsed the tunnel.  You smell the rancid odor of decomposing flesh wafting from the rubble.  Several hands, clawed and otherwise, protrude from the debris.                                                    UA daring escape has been foiled by mother nature.  Do you wish to dig the bodies out?                                                                                                                                                                          ﾜDigging slowly, you begin to uncover large bodies in various stages of decomposition.  The bodies closer to the surface are worse than those below.  The sickly flesh peels off in your hands as you pull on arms and legs.                                    ｹThe rancid stench is overwhelming. Suddenly, you are stricken with horror. The pile of bodies is infested by a host of carrion grubs.  Within seconds, they begin to dig into your flesh.                                                                      _You will surely die, unless you can find a way to quickly rid yourself of these foul parasites.                                                                                                                                                                òYour digging has unearthed the body of a Truscan guard.  His body bears a paper inscribed in the king's own hand.  It reads, "Once released, you are hereby commanded to form a band that carries out the king's secret bidding.  The future of...             òthe entire kingdom is at stake.   Your first mission is to create havoc in the town of Bristol.  You must make it appear as if giants have done this grave deed.  I fear that the people do not understand the gravity of our present situation...             唔f we fail to develop a strong desire amongst the people to fight and defend our land, it will be too late.  The giants will destroy and conquer us all. "                                                                                                     ﾈDo you take the scroll, confront the king, and denounce his unscrupulous methods of rallying the people?  OR  Do you decide that you would rather not get involved in this potentially sticky situation?                                                       ﾙYou storm into the king's audience chamber to confront him about his unlawful attacks on the village of Bristol.  As you lambaste the king in front of the entire court, the veins in his neck begin to bulge with anger.                                      ú"How dare you question my authority? The manner in which I rule my kingdom is not your affair.  You shall rue the day you crossed me.  Guards, throw these fools into the dungeons!  The beasts living within shall devour them."  You are quickly seized.     óAs you are being forced from the chamber, some guards question the king about what to do with your equipment.  He orders the guards to halt as he reconsiders the situation.  "I will give you a choice.  You may become my dungeon prisoners or...            ｴif you can escape the pit of pain alive, I will allow you to keep your equipment and return to my service."  You have no choice but to accept this opportunity to redeem yourselves.                                                                           ､You are forcibly escorted to the pit of pain.  Not allowed to make any preparations beforehand, the guards rudely thrust you into the chamber to manage your escape.                                                                                           òYou escape the pit of pain.  The king is informed of your success, and you are summoned before him.  "Your ability to escape the pit of pain attests to your mighty strength.  Many have tried and  failed.  I had promised that if you escaped...             畉ou discover the remains of victims who never escaped this dreadful pit.  They appear to have been clawed to death by monstrous beasts.  Most of their possessions have been torn to shreds.  However, a few items remain intact.                              UDo you wish to take the equipment from the dead?  OR  Do you dig them a proper grave?                                                                                                                                                                          □You have chosen poorly.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ﾐThe guards remove your blindfolds.  You are standing in a large cavern.  The kings' guards wish you luck.  They disappear around a bend in the rocks.  Your presence begins to attract a cacophony of creatures.                                               üYour eyes are drawn to a corpse.  The manner of dress suggests he once served as a king's aide.  A scroll on his body reads, "If you vow to uphold the king's will, you shall be granted freedom.  Your first mission is to attack the village of Bristol...   ﾃYou must make it look like giants have attacked the village."  Further reading shows that this is part of the king's plan to raise public emotions in order to rally the people against the giants.                                                            ﾃOnce formidable, the gates of this mighty prison now hang open on rusted hinges.   A great shifting of the earth has caused the hinges to pop their retaining pins and allowed prisoners to escape.                                                            ,The king's steward listens to your progress.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ﾓ"Your foolish tongue is pardoned, and you are now reinstated to my service.  You are hereby forgiven for all past wrongdoing. Go.  Act as champions to my cause.  Time is short, and you must complete your quest."                                            餔ne of his aides pulls you aside.  You are quietly warned not to cross the king a second time, "The king has been unusually generous.  Those that double-cross him are beheaded by the king's personal axeman and put on public display."                      ﾟPain shoots up your arms and legs.  It feels like liquid fire racing through your veins.  A sudden darkness follows.  When you regain your senses, you find yourself standing a short distance away from where you were before.                                炭ou enter a large cave.  It is strangely quiet.  The unusual lack of sound is eerie. Your skin is crawling, and you feel like a bundle of nerves.                                                                                                              □You enter the pit of pain.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     &The chest erupts into a ball of flame.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         ~The loud explosion has produced laughter from the gods.   Numerous creatures that inhabit the caves are drawn to the ruckus.                                                                                                                                   tSmall shuffling sounds come from behind the door.  An unexpected bolt of magical energy streaks from out of nowhere.                                                                                                                                           %The door swings open on rusty hinges.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          ｣As you walk by this hut, a peculiar growl pierces through its walls.  The noise sounds partly human and partly...  You're not altogether sure.  Do you step inside?                                                                                            ûYou burst through the door and see the back of an old woman.  She spins around to face you.  She is foaming at the mouth.  Gnashing her toothless gums together, she bites air and produces even more.  Your feet have been sprayed with this white froth.     eBefore you can react, she launches herself at you in mad fury.  Do you cut her down like a rabid dog?                                                                                                                                                          ﾓYou deal a swift blow and make a quick end to her life.  It's doubtful that she had enough self awareness left to recognize her own insanity.  A quick search reveals nothing of interest or value in the tiny hut.                                            薺he town patrol shows up.  You explain what happened.  The guards inform you that she had been a lowly nursemaid to the old king.  Long ago she had acted as an indiscreet lover and brought disgrace upon the current king's father.                          禊he was banished and a social outcast for many years.  Recently, the king had pardoned her and had ordered a search to be conducted.  He declared her sins forgiven and bequeathed her gold for her many years of devoted service.                             ﾋThe woman had no surviving relatives.   Because you were with the deceased at the time of death, you shall inherit everything.  This is the law of the kingdom.  The guards give you a large sack of coins.                                                    ]She rushes past you in a fit of rage.  She sprays foam and mucous all over you as she passes.                                                                                                                                                                  ﾜYou find the dead body of the mad woman from the hut.  It is lying in a grassy clump and her face is entirely covered by foam and mucous.  The grotesque sight makes you bend over and dress your boots with your breakfast.                                   唄he is clutching a small sack in one hand.  You pry it from her stiff fingers and find a gloomy-looking ring inside.  It looks worthless.                                                                                                                      rThis is the grave site of the former king.  It is well maintained and surrounded by beautiful bouquets of flowers.                                                                                                                                             ﾍYou stand over the old king's grave site. The ground begins to rumble.  As you watch in amazement, a wisp of smoke seeps upwards from the ground and materializes into the spectral shape of the former king.                                                  tYour attempt has enraged the ghostly figure.  His eyes flash brighter.  He begins to quickly lose patience with you.                                                                                                                                           ó"All these years my soul has wandered.  I am unable to rest in peace.  I command you to give me that which was once rightfully mine - my gift to my long lost beloved.  If you refuse, you shall join me in this accursed state of eternal unrest."            ô"Because you will not give me what is rightfully mine, you must pay for your greedy piracy."  Mumbling a few ancient words, the former king's tremulous spirit solidifies into a solid form.   The soil around you opens up into a mass of zombies.            ﾒ"Thank you, fine people.  I sensed your inner goodness."  The king places the ring on his wispy finger.  The ring's gloom dissipates into the king's smoky form.  As the gloom disappears, another shadowy form...                                             ﾙcomes into being next to the king.  It is the mad woman from whom you originally acquired the ring.  Now she is breathtakingly beautiful.  The two kiss and fade away.  The ring falls to the grass shining like the sun.                                      サhe wispy figure grasps his head and screams in pain.  "Fools, you have damned me to an eternal hell!"  The figure fades from view.                                                                                                                            ™A wispy looking figure appears before you and stares at you with intense pulsating eyes.  Standing on the grave of the former king, you have come face-to-face with his ghost.  "Give me that which was once mine and rightfully belongs to my one true love." ｫA sign over the tavern reads, "Glowing Coal Inn.  House of Fine Dwarven Spirits."  Patrons are few, and most are dwarves.  The pungent smell of dwarven ale fills the room.                                                                                    謬his grave has been robbed recently.  The body that was once resting here in peace is now resting here in pieces.  Do you wish search the grave site?                                                                                                          ﾜYou find two silver coins in the pocket of the corpse's tattered robe.  They are unlike any other silver coins you have ever seen.  Written in very small runes are the words, "Wishing you well"  Do you wish to take them?                                   øYou are about to dismiss this hole, when  something about it catches your interest.  Someone has gone out of their way to force a large boulder inside it, for no apparent reason.  Two odd indentations have been chiseled into the boulder's surface.        □What is it that you wish to do?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                □That has no apparent effect.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   /You do not detect anything out of the ordinary.                                                                                                                                                                                                                □Nothing seems to happen.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       □Nothing happens.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               躡ou discover some backpacks at the bottom of the pond.  You bring them to the surface and inspect the contents.  The  clothing has been customized to fit dwarves.  Except for a couple special items, they appear common and ordinary.                        ©Curiously, there are no personal items of any kind.  You wonder if they were very poor.  Maybe they were robbed.  The items you do find seem to provide few clues as to their identity.  Funny though.  If they did have equipment it must be here somewhere.  週his is an old abandoned shack.  Inside, everything is coated with a thick dust.  Not even homeless paupers seem to want to inhabit this place.                                                                                                                òThis place reeks of body odor so foul, it would make a sweating mud devil gag in disgust.  The former occupant must have  produced this hellish, putrid stink.  You cannot even imagine how bad it must have been when the stench was still fresh.             ズou conduct a quick search and find an enormous suit of plate armor hidden in a wooden cabinet.  It shines as if it were still new.                                                                                                                             The water tastes a little salty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               1Most refreshing.  You refill your water blisters.                                                                                                                                                                                                              □The water tastes kind of sweet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                'The water has a metallic silvery taste.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        ﾆYou toss the two silver coins into the well and hear them splash into the water below.  Looking down, you see the reflections of your faces dancing about on the ripples.  Soon the ripples fade away.                                                         ｾThe reflection is not what it was before.  The blue sky has been replaced with the glow of a city in flames.  Children are standing in the street.  Tears flow down their mud-streaked cheeks.                                                                 ìDeath cries and wails of despair ring out. All-out attacks are occurring on this town that is presently quite peaceful.  Giants standing 20 feet or more in height, attack citizens and warriors throwing their bodies about like tent pegs.                   ｸYou have been made privy to an evil portent.   Future tragedy may strike this fair city.  A faint voice cries, "Seek ye the Anvil of Pain.  It is your one greatest hope of salvation...                                                                       宇or on its surface you must destroy your salvation. Failure to do so will invite a withering death as sure as the sun shall always rise."                                                                                                                      =As soon as the voice fades, the reflection returns to normal.                                                                                                                                                                                                  覿pon the creatures death, it's body turns to stone in the flash of an eye.  Any weapon in contact with the beast is frozen solid within.  You will have to use another weapon until you can retrieve this one from the creatures body.                         úThe local inn.  Once a happy-go-lucky town, Brystol Wynn is now a somber place.  Maggot folk have conducted many raids on Brystol.  Most residents have suffered over deaths or mysterious disappearances of close friends and relatives in recent months.     ﾛA towns person speaks, "Brystol Wynn was always such an open place.  We welcomed all, and now it has proven to be our downfall.  There are no longer enough warriors to defend the town, and I plan on moving to the city."                                    ùFranklin told me that he knows the location of a secret cave. Travel to the southeast village wall, you will find a group of rocks.  The Imhotep Outcropping is a group of rocks just south of this group.  The cave is located on its northeastern side.      ÷Steven Furbough is a foolish one.  He babbles continuously about an ancient sword called the Giant Slayer.  He claims it's our only hope for successfully conquering the giants.  Supposedly, it's hidden in a cave located at the Imhotep Outcropping.        eIt's better for you, if you don't ask so many questions.  Nosy people have a habit of getting killed.                                                                                                                                                          ｼLegends say the Anvil of Pain was used solely to destroy magical relics.  The Anvil was forged by the gods of ORDER.   ORDER despised magic because it caused chaos where ORDER should rule.                                                                   õI wish the news was good, my fine friends.  Alas, it is most grim.  The good king cannot spare any troops to help defend the town from these infernal attacks.  He is presently marshaling every troop to his side in preparation for a great battle.          ùI know little about this.  I am but a simple man in complex times.   I do know that if the king cannot protect his own city, we cannot hope that he will be able to defend us either.  People are packing what few possessions they have and are fleeing.      ﾟThe head elder speaks, "I heard of a great battle between the king's men and a band of vermin at Wispy Falls Way.  The king's men put up a valiant fight but lost the battle due to their commander's poor strategic planning."                                ｴYou have found a secret passage in a group of rocks.  This group is known as the Imhotep Outcropping by Brystol Wynn locals.   A small dark cave leads in a southwesterly direction.                                                                           øI fear that the king is not totally aware of how much danger he's in.  Many of the minor nobles are discontented and disagree with his command decisions.  If things stew for much longer, he might have to deal with a mutinous uprising among the men.       òThe local priests are pleased with your generosity.  "Bless you and your unselfish giving.  There are so many homeless children.  This fine day they shall all receive a hot meal.  May the gods smile upon you and make your journey a safe one."             儺he local priests are pleased with your generosity.  "Gods be praised!  Your place in the promised land is assured.  Go with our blessings, my children."                                                                                                      婬he local priests are pleased with your generosity, "You are most kind.   We shall cast healing on you to help you gain strength for the long roads ahead."                                                                                                    ó"Hmmm, let me see...  As I recall, it was a little south of here.  Some gnaths attacked a small wagon train.  If memory serves correctly, it was a short ways due south of the southern gate.  I believe it was near the shepherds' watering hole."            íYou approach the area where you believe the last raid occurred.  Upon your arrival, you bear witness to an unnerving sight.  The culprits of the previous raid have returned to the scene of their crime.  You see a large group of gnaths...                  ﾈcamped around a fire.  A large, crude hut has been erected nearby.  The raiding party's leader must be quartered there.  Do you wish to ambush them by surprise, perhaps improving your odds of success?                                                       ｹYou storm the camp.  The gnaths quickly form into squads.  There are two squads of veterans and two squads of younger troops.  Three massive hill giants lead the squads and bark orders.                                                                      ｢It was a difficult battle, but you are victorious.  Most of the take consists of  fairly common items.  However, the hut contains several odd items of interest.                                                                                               ©The village elders live in this small group of shacks.  Old and frail, they depend on the village as a means of support.  If  attacks on the village continue, their livelihood will be jeopardized.  With this on their mind, they request a favor from you.  ﾀ"One time when they were practicin' bugle calls, the vermin stormed out of a cave and attacked.  That might be a good way to draw 'em out.  I'll draw you a map and give you a horn for blowin'.                                                               ﾎYou blow heartily into the ivory horn.  A loud bellow, like a water buffalo in heat, issues forth.  You continue to blow.  Eager to put an end to the wailing, large bodies begin to rush forth from the cave.                                                 絨n this day a great evil has been put to rest.  The surrounding area's inhabitants breathe a sigh of relief.  The village elders will now be able to live a comfortable life again on the toil and sweat of their people.  Oh, joy!                            ïYou come to a massive iron gate.  It is three feet thick and reinforced with hammered iron banding.  You have never encountered such an impenetrable gate.  Using the normal methods of breaking and entering, you are unable to budge it open.                娶hile you are traversing some rough terrain, large boulders begin to tumble down from above.  You look up and see giants hurling the boulders like pebbles.                                                                                                    ｢Fully three dozen giants are perched atop the tall ridge overlooking the valley.  The ridge is very narrow and any one of them could easily fall to a quick death.                                                                                             øUnfortunately, their height advantage makes their missiles incredibly effective. Yours fall far short of their mark.  Your only choice may be to try and rush past them in a mad attempt to gain access to the fortress beyond - a risky option at best.       ûThe Horn of Annoyance blares its obnoxious sound once again.  Perilously perched on outcroppings, the giants grab their heads in total dismay. Most lose their balance and fall to a quick demise.  Their bodies are gruesomely smashed on the rocks below.    ｨThe few giants who are left try desperately to maintain their footing.  You make an easy dash for the fortress.  The gods of protection have smiled upon you with favor.                                                                                       綺our clever use of magic has been effective for the most part.  Many giants are fooled.  A few comprehend what is transpiring and try to counteract.  Some boulders still find their mark, but you are past the danger before long.                            …Because enemies aren't expected to penetrate this deep into their territory,  entrance to the fortress is relatively easy. It's hard to believe that you have gotten beyond the great mountains and are now in the front line fortress of the giant stronghold.悩ou discover a storage room.  It is mostly empty.  From its appearance, you presume that it is not frequently used.  It should be safe to rest here.                                                                                                           ïYou enter one of the main sections on the ground floor of this monstrous-sized keep.  A few unimportant documents scattered about reveal that this is the fortress Martech.  Luckily, there are no guards in the entry chamber, but you hear...                :deep voices.  Growls come from several directions at once.                                                                                                                                                                                                     ^You see hill giants shuffling your way.  You could easily hide.  Would you rather attack them?                                                                                                                                                                 ･This door is unlocked.  You open it and look down a long, dark hallway.  The smell of feces is pervasive.  The screams of creatures in pain haunt the dismal passage.                                                                                          觝ou peer through iron bars.  A large room with many doors comes to view.  A giant supervises several trolls who are torturing a large gnath.  Another gnath is tied face down to a bench.  Its bloody back is covered with whip marks.                         ｼYou gather that the gnaths are being punished.  During their last raid, they failed to totally destroy a human village, and many of the villagers escaped unharmed.  What do you wish to do?                                                                   \You burst through the door and quickly kill all the gnaths.  Since they were already tied up, it was easy to slit their throats.                                                                                                                               hThe wounded gnaths do not even stop to give thanks.  They quickly leave through the doorway you came in.                                                                                                                                                       ?A large gnath is inside this cell.  Do you wish to release him?                                                                                                                                                                                                ñHe stands, brushes moldy straw from his body, and speaks to you in common, "I have seen what you did for my brothers.  Take this key.  The guards weren't aware that I had stolen it.  It opens a cellar door where a great treasure is guarded."              sI must go now and help my tribe rebel against the giants.  We are surely doomed if we remain under their influence.                                                                                                                                            TUnarmed, he is not looking for a fight.  He slips around you and bolts for the door.                                                                                                                                                                           RUnsuccessful at moving silently.  A troll hears your movements and points you out.                                                                                                                                                                             HHaving defeated the guards, do you want to free the gnaths or kill them?                                                                                                                                                                                       IDo you want to make a break for the fortress or do you choose to retreat?                                                                                                                                                                                      餾ou attempt to get to the fortress by making a mad dash over the rough terrain.  Agile dodging enables you to avoid many of the hurtling boulders heaved your way.  However, enough find their mark to make the flight a costly endeavor.                      DYou come upon an elite unit of minotaur troops.  Do you attack them?                                                                                                                                                                                           □You leave the fortress Martech.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                藝ou venture beyond the reaches of the fortress Martech.  You head into the Grim Mountains.  This is the giants' stronghold.  The chances of encountering a friendly traveler will be slim, now that you are on this side of the pass.                          aJourneying through a rocky pass, you once again emerge on the northeastern side of the grim wall.                                                                                                                                                              |The cave dead ends here.  There is a large hole in the floor.  You look down into a spiraling tunnel.  Do you wish to enter?                                                                                                                                   ﾎAs you descend, anxiety pumps up your heart rate.  Dampness wraps around you like a cold, living snake.  Rank odors of death and rot assault your nostrils.  The walls are coated with eerily glowing moss.                                                    ÷You notice a strong, distinctive scent and discover an old half-burned torch lying at your feet.  It appears to be radiating magic.  The moldy fungus you were using as a light source suddenly thins and fades away.  You are left in total darkness.         ™Scrambling in the dark, you make several frustrating attempts to strike up your own torch lights or cast light by magical means.  For some peculiar reason, these methods fail miserably.  Do you wish to try and use the half-burned magical torch you found? ｹThe magical torch lights up easily.  Much to your dismay, you suddenly recognize a distinctive odor emitting from it.  It's a natural gas that is notoriously known for its flammability.                                                                      鶺he noxious fumes do not last long.  Luckily, there is enough oxygen in the small cave to support both the torch and your breathing.  You now clearly see that you are standing in a small room.  The only way out is the way you came in.                     úThe wall is covered with strange writings  you have never seen before.  A stone casket lies open.  Peering in, you are able to make out the indentations of a powerful sword impressed into the casket's velvet-lined interior.  The sword is now missing.     ñAbruptly, the magical writings begin to rearrange themselves before your very eyes.  In seconds, they become legible.  You are informed that the powerful weapon has been deliberately moved in an effort to thwart its falling into evil hands.               ﾈYou spot an odd-looking dry patch of grass.  It appears strangely out of place.  You scrape away the grass and uncover a heavy iron door embedded in the ground.  Do you wish to open this unusual door?                                                       úPulling vigorously, you manage to crack the seal and gaze down into an inner recess.  A small bundle wrapped within a moldy, silken shroud lies within a small, oblong niche.  Hastily peeling away the shroud, you unveil a weapon of magnificent beauty.     ﾑRunes describing historical, glorious battles are inscribed along the length of its metallic blade.  You decipher the runes on the pommel and interpret their meaning to be: "SALVATION".  It is a mighty weapon.                                              ™The magical writings disclose how evil forces discovered an ancient text revealing the hidden resting place of this mighty weapon.  They sought to steal it for their own evil purposes.  However, good forces were able to move it to its present safe haven. öMany places were considered for Giant Slayer's new resting place.  It was finally decided that a remote place would be safest.  You have been carefully watched and judged.  This information has been revealed to you because of your inner goodness.         ïIn future times of need, seek out the Giant Slayer 21 leagues to the east.  Turn and continue traveling north for 14 additional leagues.  There you will find an iron door concealed by nature.  Within its confines, you shall find salvation.                @The writings slowly revert back to their former illegible state.                                                                                                                                                                                               ﾚA sign over the door reads, "Honest Buttafooco's Equipment, Storage and Novelty Shop."  This looks like a good place to store your excess baggage for the reasonable fee of 100 gold pieces.  Do you pay the fee to enter?                                     ｬ"Those two!  Mother of Mesaba!  Yeah, I know dem.  Dey two friends o' yours?  Dey owe me a good deal o' coin.  If you find dem, you let me know.  I'd be right appreciative.                                                                                   õ"Last time I got wind o' dem, dey was headed to one o' the town wells to get a sip o' drink.  Said dey had a big mission and needed clear heads.  Bah!  De two o' dem couldn't be trusted to tie der own shoes.  I told dem, dey would have better...          ｰluck finishin' der big secret mission if dey dove in the lake.  See, I was thinkin' a bit o' water might help dem sober up a bit. I seen dey needed a bit o' soberin' real bad."                                                                               úThe barkeeper babbles on about his cousin Frit attempting to hook up with some travelers.  Two local barflies start a scuffle, ripping a sconce right out of the wall.  Shouting epithets, the barkeeper abruptly stomps off to crack some heads together.     …To your amazement, the chest and its immediate surroundings show no signs of being scorched by the blast.  A great battle-axe lies within the chest.  It shines with an incredible aura.  This is a sure sign that the weapon possesses strong, magical powers.øLord Oswald listens to your progress concerning your quest in search of the Axe of Ashblet.  After a brief period, he ends your account with a wave of his hand, "My friends, it is obvious more work lies ahead of you.  I will detain you no longer."        ©"Well done, my friends! Well done, indeed!  This bodes well for our future triumph in battle.  Now that we've obtained the Axe of Ashblet, the dwarves will align with us against the giants.  Such an alignment is vital to our success in the upcoming war.  …You are honorable and noble to relinquish such a fine weapon.  Believe me, when I say that the cause is a worthy one.  I am deeply grateful and humbly offer you this fine weapon in exchange.  It's been a cherished family heirloom for numerous generations.ﾝLord Oswald talks with you briefly.  However, you sense that he is anxious to send word to the dwarves regarding his  possession of the Axe.  You courteously take your leave, and Lord Oswald turns to more pressing duties.                                  ｦThis roomy cave is tucked away into a remote portion of a huge cave complex.  Although fortunate for most underground dwellers, this proves to be unfortunate for you!                                                                                         ﾒPiercing cries ring out.  Huge creatures simultaneously descend from the cavernous ceiling.  Their reptilian bodies flash about like lightning.  You are unwillingly caught up in a battle of mammoth proportions.                                             üThis small cave leads into an endless series of underground caverns.  The ceiling  is extremely high.  Bats couldn't fly any more freely than if they lived under open sky.  Many animals live and die here without ever leaving these underground chambers.   ﾄWell, it had to happen.  This is where you have to endure the registration process.  Enter the registration name as it appears on the form you received from us in return for your registration fee.                                                           漓 small boat lies damaged and abandoned on the shore.  You inspect the boat and the ground nearby more closely.  Evidence suggests that a violent struggle has occurred.  A bloody trail leads off in a northeasterly direction.                               ùYou are approaching a small shack.  From a distance, you hear the tortured screams of a woman.  Another woman cackles loudly and hideously.  Malicious, she enjoys inflicting pain and torturing her victim.  Chills run up your spine.  Do you approach?      òYou are about to peek into the shack's crude window.  Suddenly, you are assaulted with a stream of rocks.  A large group of ogres has spotted your approach and is running in your direction.  They bellow a warning to the cruel torturer inside.             ﾜYou spin around to confront the ogres' onslaught.  The female torturer bursts forth from the shack.  She points her hand in the direction of the ogres and barks a single word.  They quickly halt and stare at her in fear.                                   ©She scrutinizes you carefully.  Her eyes seem to bore right through you.  You have the strange feeling that she is aware of your innermost secrets.  Her voice is slow and raspy, "You do not belong here.  I don't deal with the likes of you.  Leave now...  bor you shall forever curse yourself for coming here."  Do you decide to call her bluff and attack?                                                                                                                                                             ﾙShe responds immediately with a wave of her hand and casts a spell.  A streaking, blue magical flame darts in your direction.  To your wondrous surprise, the flame flies over your heads and strikes the group of ogres.                                      óYou say a quick prayer thanking the gods for her poor aim.  However, you soon realize that you were never the target.  The ogres shriek painful screams as they transform into beasts even more hideous.  You are quickly engaged in deadly battle.            úA formidable foe.  However, she shall never trouble you again.  You burst into the shack to free the tortured prisoner and are shocked at the scene before you.  Strapped to a crude workbench, this woman had probably once been considered quite normal.     絲ow she has been mutated from the waist upwards into a monstrous marine-like creature.  Her screams are now muffled as she attempts to voice her pain through gill slits.  Her eyes are covered by thick milky white inner eyelids.                            ｦDo you wish to put her out of her misery? OR  Do you wish to set her free?  Her torturer is dead.  Perhaps the magic will fade in time, and she will return to normal.                                                                                         úMercifully, you swiftly slay the poor soul.  You search the shack and find the remains of several others.  Many of them suffered through various stages of transformation before dying horrible deaths.  Their torturer practiced a cruel form of alchemy.     藝ou cut the bonds that are holding captive this degenerate form of nature.  The woman continues to mutate before your very eyes and completely transforms into some strange aquatic leviathan.  It gawks at you with its glassy eyes.                          øThe creature creases its face.  You interpret this as a smile.  The crease widens further.  You get a great view of a mouth full of sharp teeth dripping caustic venom.  It is not a smile, but a sneer!  The mutant launches itself at you in a frenzy.       ｻYou search the shack and find the remains of many others in various stages of transformation.  They all died gruesome, agonizing deaths.  Their torturer practiced a cruel form of alchemy.                                                                    aThe mutant's remains pop and sizzle.  They quickly decompose into a pool of goo and greasy smoke.                                                                                                                                                              1A small tunnel leads off in a westward direction.                                                                                                                                                                                                              UThis cave is currently occupied by a band of ogres.  They are not pleased to see you.                                                                                                                                                                          餤his cave is occupied by a large band of ogres.  One stands up and stares at you with eyes the size of keska balls.  He manages a few words in Common, "You no belong here.  Leave, and me forget.  Me too hungry to kill you right now."                      õSeveral sheep are being roasted over a spit near the ogres' feet.  Most likely they were stolen from an honest farmer.  Then they probably murdered him to prevent their raid from being reported to the kings' men.  Do you attack these plunderers?          ﾇYou are not the only ones to show your bravado.  The ogre leader rises to his full height.  Standing fully three feet taller than any ogre you have ever seen, he is a giant even amongst his own kind.                                                         You stumble upon an odd hole in the ground.  The ground has caved in somewhat along the hole's edges.  Do you wish to lower someone down and explore the inside?                                                                                               óCave insects buzz abnormally loud in an immense underground cavern.  Many are feasting upon the rotting remains of twelve humans and two dwarves.  The humans were probably farmers.  The dwarves are too decomposed to determine sex or trade.                ﾜNearby is a small lake of water.  Bubbles rise to its surface.  You suspect that the pool has an underground source.  You dive in to discover a shallow underground river that emerges on a small island some distance away.                                   櫚arge boulders sit just below the water's surface in close proximity to one another.  You can use them as a bridge to cross over to other sections of the lake.                                                                                                $You make your way to a small island.                                                                                                                                                                                                                           ㎡loundering around in a strange underground cavern's lake can prove to be a dangerous activity.  You are about to learn a hard lesson.                                                                                                                         aYou spot some rocks just below the surface of the water.  Getting off this island will be a snap.                                                                                                                                                              ïThe sounds of combat ring out nearby.  You rush to the scene and see the kings' men fiercely engaged in battle with a patrol of ogres led by a giant.  The kings' men fight valiantly, but they are being overpowered.  You jump into the fray!                唳ou tend to the wounded.  Many have died, any many more are in great agony.  Local clerics arrive and bless you for your help in driving off the invaders.                                                                                                     ﾛThe village temple.  It serves many denominations.  The small village can only financially support one house of worship, and it must serve the beliefs of many.   Local acolytes tend to your ailments and those of others.                                    ﾞA small, dismal shop.  The portly shop owner explains, "It's been difficult to obtain supplies since the raids began.  Most people with good coin have already fled to the city.  Conditions are very hard on the rest of us."                                 ôA seedy-looking fellow intercepts you outside the shop's entrance.  "Friends, this is your lucky day!  You've got money to spend, and I just got back from the western lands.  I could sell you some valuable objects at a good price."  Interested?           ﾝYou have come to the only way in or out of Black Earth village.  A few of the king's men stand at the gateway keeping a wary lookout.  Many of the village huts stand empty.  Most villagers have already fled to the city.                                    üA harried villager rushes by.  You accost him and try to pump him for news. "I'm leavin' soon as I can.  My kinfolk are packin' right now and headin' for the city.  Them gnaths to the south are too close for comfort.  I've got my wee ones to think of."   蘂lmost everyone appears possessed by feelings of frantic fear.  Gnaths have constructed a stronghold just south of the village.  Many of the outlying farms have been raided already.  It won't be much  longer before they attack...                          ｮMost people are hoping to be long gone before the gnaths attack the village.  Although the king's men patrol the walls, they aren't numerous enough to ease the  locals' fear.                                                                                 üBored and dissatisfied, you wander about aimlessly.  The village offers little for entertainment.  Suddenly, there is a massive rumbling to the south.  You see a huge section of the mountain crumble inward.  Gnaths pour from the mountain.  It's a raid!   ïThe entire town erupts in panic.  You and the small group of king's men guarding the village rush to the area and attempt to throw back the attackers.  A skirmish line forms.  The villagers are given little time to escape with their lives.                ïGnaths continue to pour out of the mountain passage.  Many initial shock troops have fallen as a result of your superior combat skills.  The gnath ranks are now diluted with younger warriors, but they are still an effective fighting force.                øThe carnage continues.  The death toll mounts.  You try to catch your breath.  A third squad of gnaths emerges from the mountain and presses the attack.  They have been reduced to young warriors with only a few veterans.  Your side fares no better.       YAn incredible battle!  You send a runner to the king to inform him of your great victory.                                                                                                                                                                      üIt's now apparent why the gnaths didn't attack earlier.  The creation of this tunnel was an immense undertaking, requiring  months of time and considerable effort.  No longer a secret, it now offers a way of gaining entry into the gnaths' stronghold.     îYou turn a corner in the tunnel and are nearly bowled over by another squad of gnaths.  They were attempting to pull a large wagon of lumber towards the village.  The cramped conditions make the ensuing struggle for power an arduous task.                 ﾕYou study the wagon's lumber and tools,   and conclude that the gnaths' plans were  to gain village control, build catapults and siege engines.  You have foiled their intentions and have probably saved many lives.                                          úYou dive into the water but are unable to find the spring's source.  You swim a considerable distance and finally spot light from above.  You pull yourself up through a hole similar to the one you encountered earlier.  The island also seems familiar.     刑ou have accidentally been caught up in the throes of a fierce battle.  A large group of giant ants is attacking a smaller group of beetles.                                                                                                                   ﾟA heavy iron door blocks your path.  The thick door has been crafted out of hammered iron.  From the other side of the door, you can faintly hear gruff voices.  You think they are speaking the dwarven tongue.  Do you knock?                                甬here is a dreadful silence followed by curses of startled alarm.  You hear the loud clash and din of armor as it is hastily retrieved and put on.  A voice on the other side calls to you in a deep booming voice,  "Who ye be?"                              Œ"We do not know this king of which you speak.  He wields no power here! Clan Forgefire rules this domain! Begone, or we shall slay you all!"                                                                                                                   }"We refuse to take the risk of allowing giant ants access to our domain!  The Clan is not interested in your petty problems."                                                                                                                                  ñThe dwarves on the other side begin to mumble.  Curious, they decide to check if you are still out there.  A small chute above the iron door pops open.  Large rocks rain down.  Painful shouts and enraged threats reveal that you haven't left.              òYour foul debasements provoke the  dwarves' wrath.  "Why, we'll send you to an early grave and snap your puny little necks with our bare hands!"  You hear a large metal bar being slid aside.  The heavy door opens with an earsplitting screech.             ､You stand face-to-face with a group of surly dwarves.  Do you wish to engage them in battle?  OR  Do you try and soothe their feelings with a gesture of friendship?                                                                                           ﾚ"As always, you wanderers are real brave until it comes time for battle.  Then you're all yellow.  Lucky for you, I'm in a forgiving mood.  Come in.  We can't have a bunch of weaklings crying outside our door all day."                                     鏈ou come upon a small shack covered with  a unique variety of grass.  A wall of stalagmites surrounds the shack.  Several tracks bestrew the ground around the fence's wall.  You can make out more tracks within the wall's confines.                         輸 faint smell of tobacco drifts outward from the hut.  Do you approach the hut silently?  OR  Do you call out a hail for its inhabitant(s) to come out?                                                                                                        2You are attacked by a platoon of dwarven warriors.                                                                                                                                                                                                             ëThis is the dwelling of the clan council.  It is a stout building built of granite boulders.  They are fit together with such skill, they do not even require mortar.   You step inside and are greeted by the clan chief and his advisors.                    íYou are addressed by the clan chief, Breagor Forgefire. "Split Beard tells me you threatened to beat him, if he didn't let you in.  Haaah!  He could use a good beating!  I would do it myself, but I thought it more fitting to have him...                   øguard the east entrance.  One duty every dwarf hates is guard duty.  Split Beard drank a whole keg of my best ale.  I set him to guardin' the east entrance 'cause nothin' has happened there in over four years.  Now, out of the darkness a strange...       ülot shows up and expects entrance.  So be it, I say.  This clan has lived in deliberate isolation for over 250 years as we tried to heal from the pain and suffering caused by the horrid giant wars.  We cannot hide  forever.  We must overcome our fears.   úTwo hill dwarves were here a couple of moons ago.  They informed us that a great war, perhaps deadlier than the first, was about to start.  I promised Lord Oswald and the king that I would help them crush the giants, if they fulfilled my one request.     îThey would have to return the Axe of Ashblet to us.  My life's desire has been to find the Axe and pledge my unremitting loyalty to Reorx himself.  However, I am unable to quest for the Axe.  My vow to watch over my clan cannot be broken.                 有ord Oswald has promised that he will make every effort to return the Axe.  Until I receive the Axe, I will have nothing to do with this impending war.                                                                                                        ÷Your discovery of the Axe of Ashblet causes the king to weep for joy.  He cradles the Axe in his arms like a mother  holds a newborn babe.  The entire village erupts in cheers.  The village council crowds around to hear your story of its recovery.        ÷Music and several skins of spiced wine and dwarven ale enliven many hours of joyful feasting.  The chief finally calls an end to the celebration.  He stands in the village center and speaks, "Clan! Clan! Gather round.  We dwarves love our drink...        ﾗbut our celebration must be a short one.  The time has come.  I must pledge my loyalty to Reorx, and we must all pledge our allegiance to Lord Oswald and his king.  They have fulfilled their part of the agreement...                                        ﾔWe dwarves shall live up to ours.  In two Sespian days, we shall set out for Lord Oswald's stronghold and pledge our axes to his service.  Enjoy a few more hours of celebration.  The time of marching draws near."                                           ëYou are escorted to private quarters for a meeting with the chief.  "My friends, what you have done for us has value without measure.  I can never fully repay you, but I shall do all I can.  I have gathered together the finest armor...                    ©ever to be forged within Clan Fireforge.   Please accept it as my gift for a debt that can never be fully repaid."  Pulling off a tarp, he reveals a vast, shining display of superior armor.  "If you like, you may rest here indefinitely.  However, I..."   ómust prepare to lead the clan's journey to the surface.  Our kin has not set foot there in a long time.  I greatly fear many will never see this home again.  May Reorx always watch and guide you."  Overcome by emotion, he turns and walks away.            ､The chief invites you to stay as long as you like.  Regrettably, his duties shall keep him far too busy to play host.  He hopes that you find your stay comfortable.                                                                                           ｪAn old dwarf pops his head through a tiny window.  "Hullo!  Come 'round back.  Take the east path.  The north path is too dangerous."  Do you take the north or east path?                                                                                     üThe old dwarf hears all of his traps being set off.  He yells to you from a different window, "Hey!  You deaf or something?  I told you to go the other way!  You've set off every trap I had.  I'll have to go back and reset them all later.  Come on in."   ûYou enter the old shack.  The old dwarf has settled into a rickety-looking rocking chair.  He is fast asleep.  Your entrance startles him awake.  "Who?  Now, you young ones run along and play...  Wait!  You're not...   Visitors!  Welcome!"  He smiles.    ’"Sit down and rest a spell."  You set down your load.  Before you even begin to relax, the old dwarf begins to fall asleep again.  What do you do?                                                                                                             iThis is not just another cave entrance.  It's the entrance to a giant ant colony.  You're in big trouble!                                                                                                                                                      9More giant ants boil up from below to resume the assault.                                                                                                                                                                                                      蘂nother group of ants burst out from the tunnels below.  There could be thousands of these mindless creatures.  Eventually, your fatigue will overcome you, and you  will be overthrown.  It would be wise to leave these ants alone.                          Шou have stumbled on a bunch of traps. They were originally set to capture giant ants.  However, you have become the unlucky victim.                                                                                                                           hYou peer through a window.  An old dwarf sits sleeping in a dilapidated rocking chair.  You step inside.                                                                                                                                                       û"You young pups aren't too bright. Why,  those traps keep the ants in and me out.  Or they keep me in and the ants out. I forget which. Well, it keeps us apart. That much I know. Yes, it keeps the ants away." He smiles, satisfied with his explanation.    õReaching under his chair, the dwarf pulls out an atomizer.  He quickly sprays you with a sweet-smelling perfume.  You know that insects are attracted to sweet-smelling objects.  Uneasy, you cannot account for the dwarf's outrageous behavior.              ;You would bid the dwarf good-bye, but he is already asleep.                                                                                                                                                                                                    ﾂThis cave is occupied by huge, foul creatures that look vaguely familiar.  You abruptly recall that long ago you read about them in an ancient tome.  They are larva.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                             ﾙYou begin to sift through an immense pile of bones.  Only a few belonged to humanoids.  Most of the debris appears worthless.  However, your eyes are abruptly drawn to an object.  It's glowing with a magical radiance.                                      ôThe Mush-Men are tending their mushroom fields and are exterminating all pests in this area.  Unwittingly, you have been caught in the midst of this major extermination campaign.  They consider you field pests and plan to eliminate you shortly.           …This grove of cave mushrooms is tended by a colony of Mush-Men.  They view you as common garden pests and attempt to exterminate you.                                                                                                                          jYou enter a large cavern.  The rocky floor has been planted with copious, orderly rows of giant mushrooms.                                                                                                                                                     ZA water spring bubbles up from the cavern depths to provide water for the mushroom fields.                                                                                                                                                                     ﾛYou enter a large interconnected network of small caves.  Kegs of freshwater and rations are in abundance.  These caves must be the dwarves' main storage facilities.  You replenish your supply of freshwater and rations.                                    îThis cave opens up into a large cavern.  Its floor is rough and uneven.  The dwarves have not used this area for storage or for anything else.  Perhaps they considered the area too bothersome to work with because of the floor's condition.                 啜here is a good reason why the dwarves never pushed their borders north.  It would require a tremendous effort to evict the current tenant from this cave.                                                                                                     MYou are confronted by one of the most ferocious creatures you have ever seen.                                                                                                                                                                                  ｶThe bones of diverse creatures lie strewn about the entrance to this large cave.  Similar piles of bones lie scattered throughout the cave.  A very powerful creature must dwell here.                                                                         ﾌYou chance upon the creature's nest and discover a large egg.  Hopefully, the slain creature does not have a protective mate lurking somewhere nearby.  You could be in grave danger.  Do you swipe the egg?                                                   添ou encounter a group of krise.  Your  party could easily overpower them in combat.  They are keenly aware of this and attempt to reason with you.                                                                                                             ó"Once we lived in the caves south of here and had a great tribe.  Years ago, the dwarves defeated us and forced us to retreat to this cave.  Unable to escape, we have spent our lives trying to capture enough food to keep the great beast fed...            ÷When we failed, the beast fed on us.  Over the years our tribe has slowly dwindled.  Only a few of us remain.  Now the beast is about to spawn a youngling.  Our tribe will soon meet its demise in an effort to quench this newborn creature's hunger.        ?Do you attack the krise?  OR  Do you show pity and let them go?                                                                                                                                                                                                üThough they are weak, they swarm over you in vast numbers.  You could easily  sweep them away, but you've been caught unprepared.  You frantically try to set up skirmish lines.  They manage to get in a  few strikes at some of your slower party members.   ñIt appears as if this section of the cavern has been used very rarely.  You discover a hidden passage.  The entrance has been cleverly disguised to fit into the rock wall.  Somehow, you accidentally triggered it open.  It is of dwarven make.              ｹA woman sits crying inside a nicely kept hut.  You investigate to see if she is in danger.  She tells you a sad tale, "My name is Sasha.  My entire family has been cast out by the clan.                                                                      ÷Three years ago my grandpap became sick with a withering disease.  Soon my entire family had caught the sickness except for me.  The elders held a clan meeting.  They ruled that my family be banished forever to prevent the sickness from spreading.        覦n the day they were ordered to be driven out of the clan, my family could not be found.   Ashamed and embarrassed at being banished by their own kin, they had secretly fled the night before.  I have grieved their loss ever since.                         ùThe village cleric was granted a glorious vision only a few days ago. The gods told him how to cure the disease. Sadly, I cannot even hope to cure my family and enable their return. I have no idea where they are. Also, the portent speaks in riddles:      ÷"Only new life can stave off the withering death.  Sup on the life force of thy mightiest foe before thy foe's own life begins."  So far, the meaning behind these words has remained a puzzling mystery.  She weeps, and you leave her alone to mourn.        ｴYou enter a cave of substantial size.   A small shack stands alone.  Some forlorn grave plots are off to its right.   The smell of rot and diseased flesh dwells heavily in the air.                                                                           ôA male dwarf is sleeping inside the hut.  His face is covered with foul-looking lesions.  He awakens in alarm. "Who are you?  What are you doing here?" You explain your intentions.  He believes that you mean him no harm and tells you his story.           úI was once a proud and respected member of Clan Forgefire. My family was banished from the clan when we became infected by this cruel disease. The entire family was wiped out. The only exception was my granddaughter. We left her behind with the clan.     祟y family never wanted to be separated from their kin, but we could not risk the danger of the disease spreading.  We have hidden in this cave for three years.  One by one, I have watched them all die of the withering disease.                             潼y time is short.  My only regret is that there will be no one left to bury me next to my beloved family.  Alas, if there only was a cure for this foul disease.  The village cleric tried every healing power.  Nothing helped.                               aThe old dwarf is overcome by a coughing fit.   Tired and exhausted, he passes out on his sickbed.                                                                                                                                                              ùYou feed the Beast Lizard Egg to the ailing dwarf.  The life force that was originally destined to bear forth a monstrosity is now absorbed by the dwarf's body.  His lesions heal in a matter of seconds, and he becomes remarkably strong and healthy.       ð"I cannot believe my own eyes.  I am as healthy as I was three years ago before the disease infected me.  Thank you, my friends.  You do not know what this means to me.  I only wish the cure had come earlier.  I could have saved my family.                øHis face brightens, "I can still look forward to reuniting with my granddaughter.  For that, you have my eternal thanks. I wish I could pay you with material riches, but I am not wealthy."  He excitedly gathers his things together for his journey.        aYou find a narrow shaft in the back of this cave.  It's a tight fit, but you can squeeze through.                                                                                                                                                              ｽYou begin to make your escape, distancing yourself from the nest.  Suddenly, the beast lizard's mate shows up.  It had heard the lizard's final death cry and has now arrived to investigate.                                                                  晦s the great beast collapses, it emits a hideous death cry.  The deafening noise rings off the cave walls like a series of charalon bells.                                                                                                                     ｲA stiff breeze flows outward from a small tunnel.  Rocks hide the tunnel's entrance from your direct view.  You peer inside the tunnel, but it goes back farther than you can see.                                                                             1This small cavern is seething with giant spiders.                                                                                                                                                                                                              悩our entry into the cave causes quite a stir.  The insects band together to defend their lair.  They pour down the tunnel after you.  Battle ensues.                                                                                                           ﾂThis opening is an entry point to a giant ant colony.  The colony is of immense proportions.  Warrior ants guard the colony's entrance.  Some worker ants serve as reinforcements to these guards.                                                             婬he queen ant is in the area.  If you press your attack you may be able to reach her and kill her.  Do you press your attack in hopes of killing the queen?                                                                                                    婪ou drive towards the queen.  She is attended by several worker ants.  Before you can reach her, you are intercepted by a group that rushes to her defense.                                                                                                    |Nothing stands between you and the queen.  You dive in to make the kill.  Her death will lead to the collapse of the colony.                                                                                                                                   ｳWith the queen dead, the colony has no future.  Seconds after her death, the ants  begin to disintegrate into a state of confused disorganization.  They lose all interest in you.                                                                             YYou are no longer being harassed by ants  and can continue your explorations with ease.                                                                                                                                                                        躡ou discover that the north wall is an illusion.  A small iron box has been hidden behind the false wall.  Several dated, now unimportant papers have been stored in the box.  You lift the papers out and uncover an interesting item.                        IThese stairs lead downwards.  The air grows cold and damp as you descend.                                                                                                                                                                                      )You ascend the stairs to the first floor.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      lYou fall victim to a poisonous needle.  You are lucky.  Due to age, the poison has lost most of its potency.                                                                                                                                                   □Success!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       □Failure.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       □This door is locked.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           □You have triggered a trap.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ÷You find a small opening chiseled into the mountain side.  At one time, the opening had successfully been concealed by shrubbery.  However, the recent spell of hot, sunny days has shriveled it up considerably.  The opening is now clearly exposed.         ｵYou come upon a group of ghouls.  You feel tense and uneasy.  Several have a strange look about them.  They look like ghouls, yet are different somehow.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                          ｲYou stumble upon the only place in the entire cavern that is not littered with the bones of the dead.  For one reason or another, the undead appear unwilling to cross this river.                                                                             íThe ungodly stench of this place makes you feel ill.  Moans and wails echo throughout the caverns.  Gnawed bones and half-eaten corpses litter the floor.  Judging by the numerous footprints,  many of the undead have passed through here.                   ™You step into a very crowded tavern.  The smell of meat, cheese and breads of all types fill the air.  One would never guess that the land was on the brink of war.  You worry that massive death and destruction will be suffered unless great changes occur. ìYou are crowded by peoples of all the civilized races.  You suspect that you're not the only adventurer here.  Many in the crowd appear powerful, short-tempered, or dangerous.  It would be wise to stay clear of many of these characters.                   ûYou sit at an empty table.  A strong hand clamps down and squeezes the shoulder of one of your party members in a vise-like grip.  A very large orc dressed in exquisite plate armor demands that you remove yourself from his seat.  Do you remain seated?    ｿHis voice booms throughout the tavern as he barks out several words in an unrecognizable language.  Several warriors and sinister-looking spell casters quickly form a tight circle around you.                                                                ™A powerful mage has been sitting on a stool behind the bar. Before you can react, he stands. His commanding presence invokes utter stillness. "Refrain from this folly.  Fight your battles elsewhere. Proponents of rash actions will not be tolerated here." ÷The mage stands fifty feet away. A shimmering gem magically appears in his hand. With a deft flick, the gem shoots in your direction and lands on your table. There is a blinding flash. When the spots clear from your eyes, you and your provokers...        ｪare teleported some distance away from the tavern.  Your opponents recover their senses before you do.  They attempt to take advantage of your present state of confusion.                                                                                     õThese mighty opponents should not have chosen to become your foes.  Obsessed by their need for domination and control, they were deliberately cruel and abusive towards others.  Their foolhardiness has finally made them pay for their wicked ways.          ﾑYou excitedly begin to sort through your opponents' belongings.  They possessed many items of great worth.   Unfortunately, before you can pocket the equipment and coins, you are teleported back to the tavern.                                              ùAnnoyed, you find yourself sitting back at your table.  The mage who teleported you eyes you severely. "You have no need of their equipment.  It will serve to repay me for your disturbance of the peace.  I suggest you enjoy a fine meal and move on."      øYour way is barred by a man of colossal stature.  You envision him eating his meals raw, tearing meat chunks with bare hands.  Amazingly, he enunciates his words with the diction of a pre-eminent scholar. "Pardon me. This club is for members only."       óHe leans close and lowers his voice confidentially.  "We allow only the finest clientele.  However, if you are willing to donate a sum of 30 gems, I'm sure they would allow you to enter for a trial membership."  Do you pay this outrageous fee?            ､"Very well.  It's your decision."  Although he doesn't lay a hand on you, his penetrating gaze and compelling manner propels you unrelentingly back into the street.                                                                                           l"Very good.  You're welcome to look around."  With a polite, quirky nod of the head, he allows you to enter.                                                                                                                                                   ûAn attractive servant provides you with directions to the sanitary facilities.  One single room is being used by all, and it is currently locked.  You originally think that someone must be using it.  After waiting several minutes, you begin to wonder.    ûThe last occupant either left it locked or is simply refusing anyone entry.  There is no response to your repeated knocks.  You angrily pick the lock and step inside to investigate.  Horrified, you discover the ghastly remains of a well-dressed woman.    ﾙDressed in fine black velvet, her frail body lies in a crumpled, forlorn heap on the floor.  The killer has used her blood to paint the walls with strange demonic symbols.  You hear a small noise coming from a closet.                                      5Do you investigate the noise?  OR  Do you summon aid?                                                                                                                                                                                                          üSeveral guards dressed in regal armor arrive. They hastily hustle you out of the room. You are warned not to discuss this with anyone. As you're leaving, you overhear one guard say, "Cavela better do something soon. That makes three in the last month."   ｪBefore you pass out of earshot, you overhear the guards voice the names of the suspected killers.  They are "Rewop" and "Mood".  The first name sounds strangely familiar.                                                                                     ïAs soon as you open the closet, a blinding blur of nails and teeth flashes past you and bolts for the door.  You believe that the raving creature is a Cacodeamon - a vicious beast often summoned from the nether plains to perform a service.                ôThese creatures are ruthless killers, skilled at evading capture.  It quickly outmaneuvers you, darts through an open window, and disappears into the shadows of nearby structures.  In the process, your point companion acquires a slight scratch.           ｺYour friend's eyes become glassy and unfocused.  Alarmed, you reach out and touch flesh that feels cold and stiff.  In a matter of seconds, your companion has completely turned to stone.                                                                     膾ou attempt to ingratiate yourself through small talk but begin to grow bored.  The conversation is much too superficial to hold your interest.  A suspicious-looking gentleman leaves in a sudden hurry.  Do you attempt to follow?                           ﾙYou soon lose his trail and are unable to pick it up again.  Apprehensive, you realize that you have strayed into a very seedy-looking portion of town.  Before you can return to a safer area, you are beset by thieves.                                      ﾃThe thieves have an unusually large number of torches among their possessions.  Many have been partially used and are emitting a pungent aroma.  You suspect that they've been used quite recently.                                                            躡ou cautiously begin to case the joint.  A group of armored men brings your  investigations to an abrupt conclusion.  "Many odd events have taken place of late.  Your strange behavior just now suggests that you may know something."                        ©They roughly seize you for questioning.  After several exhausting sessions, they decide that you did not play a part in any of the recent crimes. Unwilling to take  chances, they escort you out of town and instruct you not to return under pain of death.   You are intercepted by some of Lord Jericho's hired henchmen.  They bar your path and order to you stay clear of the city.  Do you attempt to use force to stay?                                                                                               DYou spot a patrol of Lord Jerico's men.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                                                                           ù"What do you want, strangers?  I'm a busy man and have much to do."  You attempt to gain his ear.  He gazes off in an entirely different direction. "Yes, yes. I'm listening."  Although he insists that he's listening, he pays you no attention at all.      nAn impressive group of warriors hails you.  They approach you in an unthreatening manner.  Do you attack them?                                                                                                                                                 …"Hail, good people. I'm Captain Kespen of Lord Jerico's contingent of storm troopers. This city is under his control. No strangers are allowed at this time. I am merely here to warn you. Those that attempt to circumvent this law will be severely punished.é"Wait! There may be something you can do for me. I am Baron Brigadoon, and I need to hire an assassin to have someone killed.  If you think you are capable of handling such a task, I would reward you MOST generously."  Do you accept?                      í"Good! This map shows the location of a small hut. There you will find a frail man. Don't believe the rumors about him dabbling in the black arts.  He's an old dotard with little real power. I'd do it myself, but he has powerful friends.                  ˜"When the job is complete, you can find me waiting here.  You will be rewarded with a fitting gift once you have successfully carried out your mission."                                                                                                       ÷Just as described, you find the frail old man inside his hut.  You guess that he must be at least ninety years old.  He is babbling incoherently to himself.  At the same time, he is intently bending over a table covered with several ancient books.        魯o you fulfill your contract and immediately slay the man?  OR   Do you inform him of the situation and give him a chance to make a better counteroffer?                                                                                                       ﾈYou burst in on the man and quickly slit his throat.  The life drains quickly from his body.  He looks at you as if to say something, but he cannot speak.  His vocal cords have been cut clean through.                                                       ﾛAs you approach the club the baron suddenly pokes his head out a window.  He points to you and screams, "There they are! Those are the ones who slew Lord Jerico.  Don't let them escape!"  Guards rush you from all sides.                                    ｭA large force of armored men approach from the east.  They are accompanied by several spell casters.  You could never defeat such a considerable force.  You attempt to flee.                                                                                  什ou maintain a low profile and successfully avert contact with several other patrols.  You reach the town's perimeter without further conflict.                                                                                                                ﾀThe books littering the table are written in a language that you are unfamiliar with.  Pictures of strange demonic symbols cover their pages.  One symbol distinctly stands out from the others.                                                               ûThe old man slowly shuffles to the door. He answers in a tremulous voice, "Yes, what do you want? I am very busy!" He eyes you warily.  His gaze nervously darts to and fro checking to see if others lurk nearby.  You tell him about the man in the club.    ùIf the old man can grant you a better counteroffer, you will let him live.  Suddenly his feebleness is no longer there.  Wasn't he much shorter a minute ago?  He glares down at you in fierce rage.  The air erupts into flames.  The shack is engulfed.      îWhen the smoke clears, the old man is gone.  You face a huge demonic beast in his place.  Hordes of smaller, deadly replicas of this creature formulate from the fiery ashes.  There is a deep rumbling.  The glowering beast begins to speak.                 ù"Puny mortals! You thought you could cross Visdentil!  Hear my counteroffer. Return to Baron Brigadoon at once and slay him. Refusal will earn you eons of torment and suffering at the hands of my minions." Do you instead choose to fight this menace?      腟he beast scornfully sneers at your display of force.  You close ranks with the towering creature and his underlings.  With effort, you try to mask your sinking feelings.  This could be one of the worst decisions you ever made.                            ﾚThe area has been totally devastated by the intense battle.  During the struggle, everything of value was either destroyed or is now forever buried beneath the rubble.  A huge contingent of armored men are approaching.                                     \They haven't noticed your presence yet.  You consider it prudent to slip away before they can connect you with this devastation.                                                                                                                               藝ou have inadvertently stumbled into a large open hut.  Everywhere you look, numerous butchered horses are turning on spits.  Their bodies slowly simmer over smoldering yabba tree logs.  You find the sight shocking and offensive.                          OThe gate has been magically sealed and  protected to ward against such a spell.                                                                                                                                                                                =Your clever use of magic grants you passage through the gate.                                                                                                                                                                                                  ﾖYou arrive at an odd clearing in the middle of the dense woods.  A long, narrow tunnel has been dug down into the earth.  There is room enough to walk through it if you travel single file.  Do you enter the tunnel?                                         杭ou travel in utter darkness.  The tunnel stretches endlessly.  With relief, you finally come to its end.  You have come back to the surface.                                                                                                                  .A small giant patrol guards the mountain pass.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The passage comes to a dead end.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               wThis door stands ajar.  It was originally designed to be sturdy and formidable.  Now it has been damaged beyond repair.                                                                                                                                        喉 pit opens up beneath your feet.  Members of your party possessing low dexterity are unable to prevent themselves from falling into the pit.                                                                                                                  ｰYou are in an old storage room.  Nothing of importance is being store here.  The room is empty for the most part and exceedingly dusty.  It may be safe to rest here for awhile.                                                                               □These stairs lead upwards.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ｴYou are in a large room filled with huge cots and large wooden footlockers.  This is the stronghold's barracks.  Unfortunately, some returning troops have discovered your location.                                                                           ™You find the floor captain's footlocker.  It's the only one with a lock.  So far none of the other footlockers have revealed anything of value.  You pry the rusty lock off.  The locker contains a treasure trove of items that must be worth a tidy fortune. 餤his large room was secretly hidden by the  craftsmen who originally built the fortress.  Once shut, there is no way to open the door from the inside.  Luckily, you were observant enough to notice this before you let the door close.                       óYou immediately prop the door open with some gear.  The last party that ingeniously discovered this place was trapped here forever.   The skeletons of three furfoots sit desolately in a corner.  They were probably an unlucky group of thieves.             WYou find a few gold pieces, two nice gems, and a ring that glows with a magical luster.                                                                                                                                                                        …You see several young hill giants playing with crude bone toys in the corner.  Though they are very young, they could give away your location.  You put them to the knife.                                                                                     ｩA small armory full of giant-size weapons.  They are crudely made.  Their tremendous weight and size also renders them rather worthless to someone of your small stature.                                                                                      ﾓFrom the far corner of the room, a flicker of light catches your eye.  Several pole arms have been heaped into a large pile.  You maneuver the pole arms aside to reveal a weapon that could be potentially useful.                                            ﾕYou cringe at the sight of a pitifully weak trollac chained to the wall.  It's open wounds have become infected.  Brutal torture has reduced this once muscular brute to a quivering mound of flesh.  You show mercy.                                          □This cell is empty.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            ﾈA giant rat is devouring the corpse of a gnaths.  The beast has engorged itself to such a hideous degree, it can no longer fit through the hole that it entered.  You chop the vermin into small pieces.                                                       鏥his cell appears empty.  You turn to leave.  Suddenly, a group of monsters pounce down from the ceiling rafters and attack you.  They have been aware of your explorations and had planned this ambush in order to escape their prison.                       ｻA haggard-looking dwarf sits chained against the wall.  Near death, he is beyond any healing, even magical.  You kneel down at his side to offer him comfort.  He passes away in your arms.                                                                    øThe old dwarf springs back to life.  Although weak, he is capable of walking.  He grasps your hand gratefully for bringing him back from the brink. "My friends, I have something very important to tell you. You must continue my quest, for I cannot."       …"I have knowledge of an ancient relic. Possession of this relic is considered vital if we are to ensure the preservation of the free nations.  I do not know it's exact powers.  I only know that it's essential to our cause.  The relic is the Anvil of Pain.í"I have heard rumors that the Anvil has been kept by a clan of dwarves.  My friends, you must seek out the Anvil.  You are hardy and have a better chance of succeeding than I.  The future of the free nations now rests on your shoulders."                  ｽ"More importantly, you must discover the Anvil's secret.  Our paths part here.  The strength I have left will hopefully be enough to attempt an escape and journey home." He hands you a map.                                                                  íNumerous giants move purposely about the room efficiently performing various  tasks.  Their industrious activity comes to an abrupt halt, when they are startled by your unwelcome intrusion.  Recovering quickly, they move in for the kill.                  ｱOn the other side of the door, you can hear several deep, booming voices in a state of excited conversation.  You cannot make out what is being said.  Perhaps, they are arguing.                                                                              ゝhe boisterous battle attracts the attention of another group of giants working nearby.  They come to investigate all the racket.                                                                                                                              ^Before you can even begin to defend yourselves, you are pelted in the back by a hail of rocks.                                                                                                                                                                 õA small boy comes up to you and speaks, "Good people, you look ready and eager to seek adventure. The king has paid me five tareks to find those new in town who appear to possess superior qualities. I'm sure that he would like to meet with you."          ûTrouble is brewing with the giants. If you follow the boy to the castle, the king himself will brief you with more detailed information. The boy claims that he will be paid 2 extra tareks for each adventurer he delivers to the king. Do you follow him?    ﾆHe leads you to the front gate of the king's castle.  The guards at the gate pay the boy his tareks.  They exhort him to continue searching, then shoo him away.  You are allowed entry to the castle.                                                         弋he town is being raided.  You are far enough away to easily avoid being drawn into battle.  Do you spring forth to the town's defense and engage in combat?                                                                                                   øHe places the gold in a sturdy iron box then turns to you. "If necessary, I have the knowledge and expertise to identify any of the items you decide to store here.  Since you're such good customers, I will offer this as an additional free service."       }Although the dragons had a sizable treasure cache, most of it consists of gold coins.  You also discover a few precious gems.                                                                                                                                  ｸLarge bones litter the floor of this cavern.  Many bones are cracked.  Their marrow has been sucked dry.  Small scavengers  scuttle busily to and fro picking the remains totally clean.                                                                       ﾏThe bones of many giants lie strewn about the ground.  While you are investigating the area, you are attacked by dragons.  They had been resting near the valley's entrance and were aroused by your movements.                                                ㎱he small stream quickly dries up.  At one time, it must have been much larger.  Erosion has carved a large channel  through the rock.                                                                                                                         ｾThis portion of the tunnel is riddled with smaller caves that serve as homes for subterranean dwellers.  Upon your approach, the underground dwellers anxiously prepare to defend their homes.                                                                 ﾚYou are confronted by a large contingent of ice giant warriors led by a commander in stunning blue armor.  Several clerics accompany the contingent.  One utters some magical words.  Suddenly, the door slams behind you.                                     ｳYou approach the gates.  Human guards spot you from the walls above.  Excitedly, they beckon in your direction and call to the others within.  "Behold! The rescuers have arrived!"                                                                            ûAn earsplitting screech pierces the air.   The unwilling gates are forced open.  Armored men rush out and quickly herd you inside.  Without delay, they heavily ram the gate back into its closed position.  A great crowd gathers around you.  Suddenly...    è...a man clothed in full battle gear strides forth from the crowd.  His commanding presence invokes silence among the townspeople.  "Hail, good people! When will the main body of your force arrive?  We had almost given up all hope!"                       ò"I am Captain Samuel Stillwater, the garrison commander.  Steadfast and true, I have managed to uphold this beleaguered town against the giants' onslaughts for months.  The gods bless King Bradwick! Finally, he has sent an army to defend us!"             ｮDo you tell Captain Stillwater who you really are and that no army will be arriving to save the town?  OR   Do you pretend to be an advance scouting party for a massive army?                                                                                 óThe captain is unable to mask his depression and sense of futility.  "You best take shelter here with us.  Man the walls!  They will attack soon!"  In his quarters, the captain sadly recounts to you his efforts to defend this forsaken outpost.            ™The sounds of combat abruptly shatter the peace and quiet.  In the distance, you can see ice giants.  They are launching a hostile attack against a small town.  You are far enough away to avoid being drawn into combat.  Do you rush to the town's defense? ェor several months, the giants have  attacked the beleaguered town on a  regular schedule - every ten days.  Today proves to be no exception.  Believing that you are the king's forward guard, the townsfolk expect you to engage in battle.                  úFor months, the giants have been attacking the town on a regular schedule - every ten days.  Today proves to be no exception to the rule.  You don't owe allegiance to the king.  The exhausted townsfolk ask if you will help defend their town.  Do you?     ﾚ"Good!  We're in desperate need of reinforcements.  I'll pass the news around town.  Goods and food rations are being used sparingly.  The townspeople will be responsible as a whole for seeing that your needs are met."                                     ðThe town shop.  Because of the town's limited physical strength, many have taken up studies in the arcane powers. People are hoping that the giants can  eventually be conquered by magical means.  The town's shop contains many magical items.               ùThe giants constructed a mighty fortress in the pass. It effectively cut us off from the rest of the kingdom. Originally, we attempted to battle our way through. The casualties were immense. They'd obtained better ground and were far too entrenched.      ìIn order to survive, we were forced to retreat within the town walls. We've  barely managed to retain this ground against their repeated onslaughts. During the past months, the local magicians have begun teaching magic to the townsfolk.                   öMany are now capable of casting arcane spells of destruction. Sadly, their skills are rudimentary. Many die by their own hand.  Alas! What choice have we?  There is no end to the damnable ice giants' attacks. The only reason why we've survived...         麒s because they attack on a regular schedule - every ten days without change.  This allows us to prepare a strong defense when necessary.  We can't hold out for very much longer.  The people grow more despondent with each passing day.                     öYour news of the tunnel is welcome, but our older citizens could never survive such a harsh journey. We must destroy the citadel. I can't spare any men to aid you, but if you could gain entry and destroy it from within, many lives could be saved.         üI've helplessly stood by as our children watched their parents die in agony. If we fail, their fate lies along the same path. I can't order you to take on such a dangerous mission. You've no obligation to us, and you'll not be mistreated if you refuse.   ûI've no more time now for idle chatter.  I must attend to my many duties.  Please, make yourselves at home here.  I'm afraid that a town under siege has little to offer in the way of comforts. However, you're welcome to all that we have."  He departs.    ÷You come face-to-face with the distasteful remains of an elderly giant.  Grotesque, immense worms are rapidly devouring the odorous corpse.  The body is nearly half gone, and these slug-like creatures show no signs of slowing.  Do you attack them?        LYou find a shield that radiates strong magic.  Nothing else is of any value.                                                                                                                                                                                   ォigh above you in the sky, a sudden thunderous boom makes you jump involuntarily. You look up just in time to see the limp form of a green dragon crashing to the earth. Flames trail from his body.  Red dragons watch as they circle above.                  ÷A mighty red dragon lands and carefully examines the dead body.  After some minutes, the dragon calls to its companions. "The staff is not here!  She has dropped it, as we feared. Take flight! We shall search over the ground from whence she came."        ™The mighty red leaps a full thirty feet into the air.  A gust of wind hits your face as its powerful wings suddenly flare outward.  Its ascent is rapid. The group banks east and quickly disappears from sight. Do you investigate the green dragon's corpse? ™You search the area and are unable to find anything of interest. One hundred feet away from the body, you stop to relieve yourself behind a small bush. Buried within, a staff has almost pierced the bush straight through. No wonder the reds didn't see it. 躓hrough some strange psychic connection, the flight of reds return within moments of your discovery.  Determined to reclaim their staff, they immediately pinpoint your exact location and begin to swiftly descend in your direction.                         7The gate to the ice giants' citadel is heavily guarded.                                                                                                                                                                                                        …You find a scrap of bloodstained paper blowing in the wind.  It reveals the location of a cave leading into the ice giants' compound.                                                                                                                          ﾅTwo men are actively engaged in a drunken brawl.  One is dressed in unusually fine clothes.  The other is dressed in a nondescript fashion.  You are unable to determine his class or social station.                                                          ùEven though the men are drunk, they are   performing skilled hand-to-hand combat.  An exuberant crowd gathers round egging the men on. Bets are being placed. The man in fine dress is referred to as Clevis. You discover that the other is named Maxim.      ûWith a major lunge, Maxim gets in a massive blow to the head. Clevis crumples to the ground. His head is gashed open on a razor-edged rock.  Townsfolk rush to Clevis's aid, but it's too late. Clevis is dead.  The highly charged crowd erupts into riot!    …Captain Stillwater and guards arrive to enforce order. The captain sees Clevis lying motionless and rushes to his side. Shocked to find Clevis dead, he angrily jumps up. Narrowly surveying the hushed crowd, he demands them to admit who killed his brother.ﾞCaptain Stillwater's penetrating gaze locks on your presence amid the crowd.  His eyes pierce through you with a blazing intensity. "You there!  Why didn't you put a stop to this?  Your presence here proves my suspicions."                                 ﾕ"Seize them! I will see their bodies swing from the yardarm tonight!"  Confusion and shouting breaks out. Determined to apprehend you, several armored men immediately begin to thrust their way through the crowd.                                            …You step in and break the fighters apart.  Blood trickles down Maxim's cheek.  He sneers in your face. "You should choose your friends more carefully, outlanders!  You haven't seen the last of me!" He wrests his body from your grip and angrily stalks off.ﾗClevis eyes you harshly. "Strangers! You  have no right to interfere!  I shall see that my brother brings an end to your meddling!"  Accompanied by several supporters, Clevis irately sprints off to find his brother.                                        øThe man in charge of the guard is Clevis.  As soon as you are outside the town's protective walls, the gate is bolted shut.  Clevis gloats gleefully from a high lookout point and shouts, "Do not come back, filthy vermin! We will deny you entrance!"       ìYou are walking past a building.  A man suddenly leans out one of the windows and motions to you.  "Hail!  I am Stellan, a friend of Maxim's.  We don't forget our friends here."  He tosses you a small pouch and quickly shuts the window.                   ðThe man in charge of the guard is Clevis.  He clasps your hands in a show of friendship.  "Hail, my good friends.  I see that you are setting out for the wilderness.  Wait a moment."  He enters the guardhouse and brings out a small satchel.               ﾁYou open the satchel. Inside is a jar of foul-smelling goo.  "Take this powerful ointment with you. This salve is useful for healing.  It will aid you in your journey.  Farewell and take care."                                                              ôThere's a tap on your shoulder. Turning around, you confront Maxim.  He obnoxiously leers in your face. "So, you're still here! Too stupid to leave town, huh? Think you can just push others around? I'm gonna get you for helping Clevis earlier."           óMaxim pulls out a small statuette, tosses it to the ground, and speaks an incantation. The statuette transforms into a living mystical creature. Startled, you discover that several of Maxim's lackeys have joined him. Where did they come from?             ﾑ"Thank you, stranger.  I shall not forget your kindness. I must seek shelter and rest now.  My foe will be bitter over this defeat, and I must be prepared to meet and outwit any future engagements.  Good day."                                              ｼYou storm into the commander's quarters.  He is accompanied by half a dozen of his strongest warriors and a visiting party of ice giants.  They perceive you as a threat and quickly attack.                                                                   øThe deaths of the commander along with the visiting ice giants incites chaos. Several giant sub-chiefs argue for control of the citadel.  Unity disintegrates.  Bitter skirmishes break out among the forming factions.   No one pays you any attention.       -In the corner is a large silver plated chest.                                                                                                                                                                                                                  NA magical bolt of energy erupts from the chest and strikes the would be thief.                                                                                                                                                                                 EYou have opened the chest.  It contains several items of great worth.                                                                                                                                                                                          EA trio of beasts guard the door.  They perform their duty with vigor.                                                                                                                                                                                          rA locked door.  The sounds of many voices can be heard from the other side.  You cannot make out the conversation.                                                                                                                                             餤he door swings open easily. You confront a large group of giants. Your attention is immediately drawn to their durable, well-built weapons. Fortunately, you have caught the giants off guard. They are unable to summon reinforcements.                      JThe door swings open to reveal a large group of giants. Weapons are drawn.                                                                                                                                                                                     òWith ebbing strength, a gold dragon wildly defends itself against two red dragons. The dead bodies of several reds already litter the area. The gold has fought brilliantly, but it will not survive this last match unless you intervene. Do you?             触old dragons are one of the few dragons that seek to spread goodness throughout the Realmz.  You rush to aid the gold in its fight against evil.                                                                                                               úThe gold dragon is badly wounded but still alive. After a brief rest, it accumulates enough strength to cast a magical healing spell. Rising to its full majestic height, it looks down and speaks in a deep, booming voice. "Thank you, good people. I...     黔ould have perished if not for your bravery. My name is Vestron. Many months ago, I was out one morning when the cruel reds raided my mountain home. They abducted my mate and our young ones. I have been searching for them ever since.                      õSeveral times I have gotten close to getting my family back.  Every time I was severely beaten down by a horde of reds. It would give me great pleasure to bestow a gift on you for saving my life."  The gold dragon waves a clawed hand in the air.          üA chest appears in thin air. The dragon  removes a small cloak from the chest and places it at your feet. "I offer you this valuable cloak. It has been in my family for over five generations. Please accept this fine gift as a token of my appreciation."   ﾟ"Now I must be off. They have transferred my mate and young ones to a new site.  I must save them before it's too late.  If  you help me rescue them, I will reward you with an even finer gift."  Do you join the gold dragon?                                ﾈ"Excellent! You are brave and strong and will be a formidable ally. Climb upon my back. We shall fly to the enemies' holding.  Finally, I will be able to avenge the reds' cruel abduction of my family!                                                       ÷"The reds are located within these caverns.  This entry way is seldom used. We'll rest briefly before attacking.  I'll keep watch while you rest first.  When you're ready to venture in, return here. I'll be just inside the cave." The gold departs.        }"Now that we have rested and renewed our strength, we shall fight these cruel reds and teach them to regret their evil ways!"                                                                                                                                  MA group of red dragons is in the distance.   Do you wish to engage in combat?                                                                                                                                                                                  ﾒYou come across a massive iron door. You quickly remove the heavy iron rod that locks it in place.  A gold dragon is inside. She picks up a pair of eggs and rushes straight at you. You are blocking the doorway.                                             藐ithout a word, the gold dragon seizes you and all your gear.  You are embraced in clawed hands the size of wagon wheels.  She swiftly races in the direction of the cave entrance. "We must escape before they discover my absence!"                          ﾄ"If they find me, I'm as good as dead.  I know too much of their plans.  We must escape and seal the cave behind us."  She soon reaches the entrance to the cave, spins around, and raises her palm.                                                           üShe utters an incantation. The mountain starts to crumble. Instantly, the cave entrance is plugged with rock."They won't be able to follow for now. While I was being held prisoner, they used strong magical spells on my cell to render my magic useless."   ﾞ"Tell me how you ended up accompanying my husband on this dangerous mission."  She listens in silence of her husband's fate.  She sighs thoughtfully, "Yes. That is just like Vestron.  He would promise the moon to save me."                                 ﾒ"A pact made by my husband is one that I shall honor."  In the same manner as her mate, she waves her hand.  A chest appears, and she removes a small golden ring. "Take this. It is our most prized possession...                                             禳ou have rightfully earned it and deserve to be rewarded for your bravery.  Now I must go.  I can't take the chance that a flight of reds will return.  My young must fall to no harm."  She rapidly ascends upward and flies off.                             ©Just ahead of you, a large group of reds rest languorously.  Vestron whispers, "I can smell my mate beyond these wyrms.  Surprise will serve as our best weapon."  With a deafening roar, Vestron charges the reds.  Magical incantations spew from his lips.  ùIn an intense clash with one of the reds, a claw bores through Vestron's chest and perforates his heart.  Vestron attempts to heal himself with magic, but it is too late. Life begins to drain from his body even as the words of healing pass his lips.      ™Willingly, Vestron accepts his fate. Death is worth his family's freedom. He begins to choke on his own blood. Quickly, you kneel down and lift his head slightly. He struggles to thank you for all your help. Vestron's eyes take on a glassy, vacant stare. _In the distance, some red dragons lie sunning themselves on the warm rock.  Do you attack them?                                                                                                                                                                ÷You come across a small temple.  Extremely obese friars waddle to and fro.  Their robes bear the evidence of permanent stains from too many greasy, heavy meals. "Children! You have bolstered our town's defenses. What can we do for our new heroes?"        ¥Several creatures are traveling as a group along the shoreline.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                                                   暸 group of giant spiders desire you for their next juicy meal.  You are far enough away that you could outrun them and escape.  Would you like to attack them?                                                                                                 薤very tree in the valley is wrapped in webs.  Dead animal remains have been haphazardly thrown about the area.  Their carcasses look like dried plums, shriveled and drained of all fluids.  Giant spiders have infested this forest.                          杠ou spy movement in the distance.  Using sticky silken strands, several spiders  swiftly wrap three large bipeds.  Do you wish to rescue these poor creatures?                                                                                                 □While the spiders are occupied, the three bipeds easily escape their sticky prisons.  It was a mistake to permit their release.                                                                                                                                ©These wandering forest creatures have unknown motives. Their lives and actions are totally controlled by their creator's whims and desires. You feel ominous misgivings about what these creatures may be capable of. They seem to lack any sense of ethics.   MA door has been carved into the trunk of a great tree.  Do you wish to enter?                                                                                                                                                                                  õYou come upon a Greckle.  The odd creature has the body of a man but the hind legs of a goat.  The faun is resting soundly in a plump, cushioned bed. The mattress appears to be made from spiders' venom sacks stuffed with leaves.  What do you do?          ™As you slide your blade along the creature's throat, its eyes pop open. The involuntary reflex is disconcerting. Upon the faun's death, a magical hiding spell terminates revealing a secret opening in the tree wall. You discover several interesting items. jDo you wish to use one of the lamps to set this tree ablaze? You could rid the world of its foul presence.                                                                                                                                                     ｣In an instant, the tree bursts into flame.  You desperately spring back as the tree threatens to explode from the intense heat.  Flaming shards of wood engulf you.                                                                                            üFlaming embers fill the air alighting on dry twigs and leaves. The entire forest erupts into a blazing inferno. Barely able to breathe and racked by coughing, you manage to escape the wildfire. You and everything you own is blackened by soot and tar.     DWhen you play with fire, you get burned.  Help prevent forest fires!                                                                                                                                                                                           øIt perceives that it's not alone. It turns and accusingly points at you. A sharp,  unintelligible word leaps from its mouth. You cringe as an unendurable whistling  permeates the air. Flesh golems respond to its summons and attack from the doorway.       ﾚThe strange creature tremulously utters one last magical word. Its body and all of its possessions abruptly vanish from sight. You are left standing alone near a barren tree. Several flesh golems lie dead at your feet.                                     ÷A wail of pain rings out from nearby. You round a small knoll. An ice giant cleric is interrogating a small human boy. The boy is unable to escape the brutal grip of a trolls powerful claws. This unfamiliar breed of troll appears to be quite vile.        dThe ice giant cleric has tortured the boy almost to the brink of death. Do you wish to save the boy?                                                                                                                                                           {During the melee, the small boy is trampled underfoot by the trolls' massive steel shod boots.  Little is left of the body.                                                                                                                                    ﾖYou cautiously approach the gate to yet another giant citadel.  It seems to be heavily protected.  From your vantage point, a dozen stygian trolls appear to be on guard duty.  A few others are idly wandering about.                                         nA mighty battle. You destroy the hinge pin on the gate. It can no longer serve as a shield from their enemies.                                                                                                                                                 ﾐYou arrive at a huge citadel. The strong odors of sulfur and burning braziers drift your way. The place is unusually quiet and still. An occasional fire giant can be seen walking about. You slip in with ease.                                               ｡A large hole in the ground. You peer down into the opening and quickly pull back feeling somewhat nauseous. Something down there is emitting a very pungent odor.                                                                                              晦 short distance away, the ground begins to swell.   Large snakes push their way out of the ground and begin to slither in your direction.                                                                                                                     ｢You discover that the hole serves as home for several enormous snakes. Not only are they about sixty feet long, their diameters are as thick as a Golden Yew tree.                                                                                             浦ou have met with some success.  All your noise has attracted attention.  Alas, the attention is not coming from what dwells underground.                                                                                                                      õAn old shack. Although somewhat bare, the place is warm and clean. At present, nobody is home. A log is smoldering in the fireplace, and a plate of mystery meat sits half-eaten on the wooden table.  It's aroma suggests seafood. Do you go inside?          ïYou wait for over an hour. Your lookout  finally spots a portly old woman sitting atop a large wagon. The wagon is slowly being pulled closer by four ponderous beasts. It is heavily weighted down by the contents of six large wooden crates.                ðAs the beasts pulling the cart draw near, they pick up your scent and begin to kick and snort. The old woman casts a spell to determine what is causing their uneasiness. She stiffens and eyes the shack warily. She is aware of your presence.               ©She cracks a whip, and the beasts charge into the clearing. The wagon careens out of control. The woman jumps out just before it tips over and spills its load. The crates smash open upon hitting the ground. The terrified beasts break from their harness.  ﾉYou are drawn into a chaotic battle against two ponderous beasts, six giant crabs, and a portly old woman.                                                                                                                                                     鄭n intense search reveals a false stone above the fireplace mantel.  You pull the stone out and discover a small fortune of gold and magical items.                                                                                                            WThe place burns quickly.  In a matter of minutes, there is nothing but a heap of ashes.                                                                                                                                                                        ﾕA vibrant tree stands alone in the middle of a barren, rocky plain. The tree's healthy dark green foliage is striking and attractive amid this barren wilderness. There are no dead leaves or signs of insect damage.                                          5You spot a patrol of fire giants. Do you ambush them?                                                                                                                                                                                                          ëYou run into a lost patrol of human soldiers.  They are hastily making covert arrangements to ambush a large fire giant patrol.   Although surprise will be on their side, the fire giants heavily outnumber the humans.  Do you join them?                    ïThe patrol's commander is gravely wounded. He refuses aid. "My gods forbid  aid if it only serves to prolong the inevitable. I must accept that my time has come. Grant my dying wish. See that my slain men be buried with honor and dignity."                üThe distant sounds of battle seize your attention. You rush to find the source.  Back-to-back, a tight cluster of dwarves are desperately trying to defend themselves. They are surrounded on all sides by a fire giant patrol. Do you want to get involved?   îThe wounded leader of the dwarven patrol  speaks. "We have been searching for a lost patrol of humans. Years ago, during a winter storm, a pioneering group of humans found themselves lost in our mountains. They almost starved to death..."                 ú"We nurtured them to health and set them up with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities. To repay our generosity, they agreed to remain and work for three years. After this period of time, many chose to stay. One group never came back from...     ìa routine patrol. While searching for them, we were horrified to discover that our mountains are again teeming with giants. Since the giants have returned, I fear the worst for our human friends. I must return home to inform our chief."                   ùYou are nearing a crossroads in the tunnel. Suddenly, you are ambushed on all sides. You were unaware that a large tribe of orcs had set up a temporary encampment at this crossroad. Their sentries provided them with advance warning of your approach.      、 crossroad is up ahead. You pause. The tunnel floor bears distorted footprints that could have been produced by steel shod boots. You have also discovered discarded litter. The evidence hints that the tunnel may be frequented by orcs.                    ðA roughly hewn opening has been hacked into a side of the main chamber. It leads to a much smaller room. Intricate runes have been scratched into the dust. The tribe shaman must have inscribed them. They appear to be a warning to stay away.               õA small group of orc warriors guards the cave entrance. They do not bother to waste time interrogating you. They quickly attack. From the cliffs overhead, a squad of archers loose a volley of arrows. The archers then climb down to join the fray.          ･Several guards stop you at the gate. "Begone, intruders! Baron Vlad sees no one. If you do not leave immediately, you shall pay with your lives." Do you attack them?                                                                                          d"As you wish! All forces, attack on my signal!" A tremendous deep boom instantly shatters the peace.                                                                                                                                                           ﾒThe clash of metal upon metal fills the air. Commands, agonizing screams and shouts of warning entangle together. A gate opens from the citadel beyond. Reinforcements from within pour forth to repel the attack.                                             óAn angry madman perches atop one of the battlements and screams at you. "You'll never see the inside of these walls! I'd destroy this fortress before ever yielding to you! Leave now or suffer eternal damnation!" More troops pour from the gate.            ùThe madman soon bursts out of the gate. He's dressed in fine armor and brandishing a shimmering magical weapon. Along with his personal contingent, he plans to battle face-to-face. He eyes you wildly. "You should have left while you had the chance!"      úBaron Vlad lies on the ground. Soon he will be dead. His body is already drenched by the blood of several gaping wounds. Struggling fretfully, he turns his face towards his mighty fortress and whispers, "My home... I cannot let it be stolen from me."     öHe pulls forth a small necklace from around his neck and smashes it. A low rumble sounds from deep within the fortress. Moments later, the castle is being blown apart by massive explosions. The entire mountain is vibrating. You fall to your feet.         óMost of the Baron's servants and a few of his soldiers were still inside the fortress. Your skin crawls as horrible screams come from within. The castle walls are flying apart in all directions. The stones have become hurtling deadly missiles.            亀he entire castle has been uprooted and destroyed. A deep steaming crater and immense hunks of rock dot the landscape.  Baron Vlad is dead.                                                                                                                    ｣The door opens. Massive, hairy-knuckled hands grab you and pull you inside.  Before you can speak, you are thrust into furious combat with a large group of giants.                                                                                            øHonest Buttafooco's place lies in ruins. You question a passerby. Apparently, Buttafooco was under Baron Vlad's protection. When Vlad died, he took what he could and hastily fled. Looters pilfered everything else and burned the place to the ground.       澪ou come upon a clearing in the woods. A glorious mansion has been built here. How peculiar! The mansion appears to have no windows of any kind. You wonder if the owner has some strange, morbid fear of the sun. Do you enter?                               'You find a considerable amount of gems.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        õA well-decorated room. The stylish furniture has been carefully arranged. Several creatures sit in the corner. Instead of mouths, they have squirming tentacles. Suddenly, you are hit by a forceful psychic blast. You become totally disorientated.          ㎟ tiny velvet pouch sits on a small table of polished zebra wood. You open the pouch and find a delicately fashioned gold ring inside.                                                                                                                         óTwo Anti'Ids feed on the mind of some unfortunate creature they have captured. At your arrival, they manipulate the creature by infusing it with deceptive mental messages. It suddenly believes that you are a deadly enemy. All three attack you.            ﾓThis door cannot be opened from the inside. Several hobgoblins have been imprisoned in the room beyond. The hobgoblins' eyes are glazed over. They  seem unaware of their surroundings. Do you wish to attack them?                                            ｼThey must be under some sort of mental control. They have been worked hard and have not been provided with adequate rest or nourishment. It appears that they are being used as slave labor.                                                                   TSeveral Anti'Ids are gathered around a table.  They are arguing heatedly over a map.                                                                                                                                                                           ﾈYou take the map.  The Anti'Ids have created a secret tunnel.  They now have access to a citadel of hill giants.  From their arguing, you gather that they intend to capture the giants for use as food.                                                       ﾅThe cavern complex dead ends here. You have no choice but to turn back. Several undead have moved in behind you and are blocking any means of escape.  You have no choice but to battle your way out.                                                          乃he group was being controlled by a  mummy.  You unwrap the mummy to ascertain the creature's true identity.  Its eye sockets are stuffed with gems.                                                                                                           AYou wander into an unsavory part of town.  Assassins assault you.                                                                                                                                                                                              0You find a large brass key on one of the bodies.                                                                                                                                                                                                               欝his is the headquarters of the thieves' guild. The thieves are well aware of your approach and are already in their defensive positions.                                                                                                                      íSomething is here. The wooden floor sounds slightly different when you step on it. You kneel. The boards have not been nailed down. They lift up easily. A large chest, heavily chained to an immense block of cement, is wedged in the dirt.                  ]The chest is protected by magic. Spells successfully ward off all attempts to open the chest.                                                                                                                                                                  UEnter the registration code as it appears on the second line of the form we sent you.                                                                                                                                                                          ﾅ"Ah, our heroes have returned!" Lord Oswald's excitement swiftly fades as he listens to you briefly summarize your quest for the axe. He is distressed that you are not yet able to return it to him.                                                          ç"Ah, our heroes have returned!" Lord Oswald greets you warmly. He then listens intently to all your stories concerning the reclamation of the Axe of Ashblet. "Well done, my friends! Your loyal service shall be rewarded generously."                        í"Ah, our heroes have returned!" Lord Oswald listens to an account of your exploits but grows steadily impatient. He suddenly stops you in midsentence. He is concerned over your failure to return the Axe of Ashblet to the dwarven kingdom.                  ê"I need not remind you of the importance of this task. You must try again!" Before you can even open your mouth to respond, the guards efficiently whisk you out the door. Once again you set off to reclaim the famed axe of the dwarves.                     ﾝLord Oswald speaks. "Good people! Today you have done a great deed.  With the dwarves as our allies, we now stand a chance of surviving the forthcoming onslaught. For your devoted service, I bequeath you these fine gifts.                                  ò"Rest for awhile. The future requires much fortitude. I must leave at once to consult with the king. A meeting must be arranged with the dwarves without delay. We'll have to combine our forces in an effective manner and plan battle strategy."             î"We must return the axe to the dwarves as soon as possible. This mission is of vital importance. Much is at stake. You are my best choice to deal with this highly sensitive matter. I trust that you will succeed in carrying out this task."                 ç"Skill, courage and astuteness will be needed on this expedition. The secret location of the dwarven nation was known only by a few of my former servants. The knowledge died along with them. I am confident that you will locate it."                        à"When this mission is completed, you will be magnificently rewarded. As soon as you feel you have rested adequately, you must set off to deliver the axe to the dwarves. We cannot afford to wait long, or it will be too late."                               ì"Baron McReese is in charge of  operations against enemy fortifications.  He is based in a mansion on the other side of town. I shall send a runner to notify him of your impending arrival. He will provide you with further instructions."                   ﾅYou arrive at a heavily guarded mansion. This must be the headquarters of Baron McReese, head of military operations against enemy fortifications. The guards escort you inside under a watchful eye.                                                          üThe Baron stands over six and a half feet tall. His taut body is all muscle. He is presently poised over a map planning military strategy with several generals. At your arrival, he breaks away and strides over to greet you. He is a shrewd, concise man.   õHe pins you under his penetrating gaze. "I am Baron McReese. Under the king's authority, I am coordinating all efforts to destroy enemy fortifications. The outlook is grim. Even with all troops at my disposal, I can't mount a direct attack on...          ñan enemy stronghold. My troops are constantly engaged in defending small towns and villages from incessant raiding. We now hope to destroy the fortresses by relying on the surreptitious support of small groups of mercenaries like yourselves.              ™The giants have three main fortresses along with several strongholds. All frontal assaults have failed. So far, they've been able to outnumber our forces and hold out indefinitely. We are now relying on small bands of mercenaries. Unlike large forces,... öthey may be able to covertly infiltrate giant fortifications and destroy the enemy from within. If you succeed in disrupting any of the giants' fortresses or strongholds, you will be generously compensated. The king has set aside a substantial...         ﾕcache of wealth and magical artifacts to reward those who meet with success. Victors over the giants can report back to me to receive their due. I wish you the best of luck. Good day." You are summarily dismissed.                                          KA subordinate of Baron McReese listens to your exploits with mild interest.                                                                                                                                                                                    ùBaron McReese is profoundly impressed by your elimination of the hill giant fortress. "We had attempted several frontal assaults, but they were dismal failures. This is an immense loss for the giants. You'll be substantially rewarded for this coup."      ùBaron McReese is pleased with your success at eliminating the ice giant fortress. "We had lost all contact with a small village on the other side of the rift mountains. Their relatives will be happy to know that many of the villagers have survived."      üBaron McReese is overcome by the news of your destruction of the fire giant fortress. "Nothing can stop us!  We have won!  To reward you for your heroic service, the king shall grant you land and servants.  You will be dubbed Holy Knights of Vestguard!   úThe baron turns to his right-hand man. "Send a runner to inform the king of this mighty turn of events!  Summon all the garrisons!  We will rally and march forth to expunge any remaining giants!  Any possibility of them regrouping must be eradicated!     ﾏArmor-clad warriors shout and jump about like toads on a hotplate in an effort to carry out the baron's orders. Cheers of victory rise up. Horns blare. Troops hurriedly converge together from all directions.                                                fYou are standing in a small foyer.   Numerous ice giants begin to emerge from a room just east of you.                                                                                                                                                         季iant guards are alerted by the discordant clash of dissension. They converge on the foyer from all directions. You are quickly surrounded.                                                                                                                    õA group of giants are seated around a large marble table.  From your hiding place, you overhear them talking.  They are considering asking the fire giants for aid in assaulting a nearby human village. A sudden, tense silence takes over the room.          Бn old, withered giant in flowing blue robes points in your direction. "Seize them!" The guards immediately jump up from the table.                                                                                                                            ﾙA burly-looking warrior barks orders to his men to charge immediately. Those who fail will be beheaded. This little incentive appears to have quite an effect. The warrior's troops appear strikingly amoral and vicious.                                      戯ou sift through the papers on the table and find an interesting map. You also discover a leather pouch containing a heavy ornate necklace.                                                                                                                    ‚A mage takes advantage of your reluctance to attack. A spell is cast that will increase the opposing warriors' success at slaying.                                                                                                                             …"Hold! A human this bold may be worth hearing out." You ramble in attempt to stall for time. Meanwhile, your thoughts race on how to outdo your rival. An intense realization occurs. Your stall tactic is being exploited to advance your opponent's position.vWithin moments, reinforcements arrive to bolster the giants' numbers. They attack with increased confidence and vigor.                                                                                                                                         ﾇYou hastily retreat from the room. A gong is beaten time and time again. The booming reverberations echo throughout the entire fortress and beyond. Everyone is now aware of the presence of intruders.                                                        LA few of the warriors mumble in disbelief, but they do not move to stop you.                                                                                                                                                                                   /The group of giants chortle amongst themselves.                                                                                                                                                                                                                TYou enter a large storeroom. Several heavy crates can be used to barricade the door.                                                                                                                                                                           ｻA guard room. The guards are slack in performing their duties. Instead of patrolling, they are lying about playing bones and drinking. Upon your discovery, they quickly rise up to attack.                                                                    燦hat luck! A copy of the patrol schedule is  in this room. You should be able to use this information to successfully avoid the giant patrols.                                                                                                                 mWithout any warning, a magical field of energy bursts into full force. You are effectively repelled backward.                                                                                                                                                  hYou hold the magical necklace aloft. The shimmering magical field gradually loses  power and fades away.                                                                                                                                                       ñFlasks, beakers and glassware are spread over the tables in an elaborate setup. Tubes of glass piping connect much of the glassware together. Someone is very busy using this chemistry lab to create a variety of diverse, colorful concoctions.              ﾘA giant alchemist has just finished  injecting a puce-colored liquid into the buttocks of a large cave bear. Six more of the strangely docile beasts stand in line waiting to receive their injections. Do you attack?                                         úThe blood of the dead and wounded bears pours forth from their wounds in massive quantities. The blood emits a toxic vapor. What was in those injections? The fumes have a strong effect. Feeling faint and ill, you manage to stagger away for fresh air.     ¥You enter a large room. It is sparsely furnished with an enormous set of table and chairs.                                                                                                                                                                     ùA huge glowing dog is chained to a post in the center of the room. At your presence,  it starts barking and foaming at the mouth. In a frenzy, it runs back and forth straining up against its chains. A door is on the other side of this round chamber.      ùA magical aura surrounds and protects the beast. All efforts at killing the beast by physical or magical means fail. Weapons and magical attacks pass harmlessly right through its body. If you move too close, you will surely die in its powerful jaws.      ･Your attempt to get past the beast  almost turns you into his personal supper bone. Those powerful jaws came much too close for comfort. You are forced to turn back.                                                                                          ûAt your wit's end, you finally try temptation. Dangling some meat from a stick, you hold it above the dog's head  egging him on until he has completely wrapped his chain around the pole. Too easy! You race through the door as the dog snarls furiously.    弋he hysterical dog strains against his chain and prances to the left and right. He manages to partly unwind it. The small room contains a valuable artifact.                                                                                                   塑ou stand at the foot of an immense throne. It's chiseled from solid obsidian. The surface is as smooth as glass. Will someone sit in the throne?                                                                                                              >You are transformed into a beautiful statue of solid obsidian.                                                                                                                                                                                                 廣n obsidian statue in the shape of a large crab sits on a slender white pedestal. Its eyes consist of two sparkling blue gems. Do you wish to take the gems?                                                                                                   KThe statue springs alive. It's ready to defend itself against all defilers.                                                                                                                                                                                    ﾘTwo large stone demons stand motionless before you. Their outstretched arms effectively block the entire hallway. If you want to pass by, you will have to get  them out of the way. Do you want to try and topple them?                                       ﾌYou approach closer. The eyes of the statues are made of blue gems. A strange light seems to flare in them. Suddenly, they move into a defensive stance. They do not intend to let you through the corridor.                                                   蘂 sturdy door blocks your progress.  An elegant brass plaque has been set at eye level. You admire the artistically etched calligraphy. In bold, dramatic letters you read the name: Damius. A second line reads: High Mage of Qwint.                          ﾍFine tapestries decorate the walls. You suspect that they are quite valuable. The tapestries depict various battles between immense dragons, giants, and wispy, shadow-like women. Do you wish to take one?                                                    ｿYou pull on a large tapestry. It depicts a pair of  wispy women and a gold dragon engaged in battle. The tapestry rips and collapses in a heap at your feet. The heap appears abnormally large.                                                                ﾟIn fact, the heap is growing! The tapestry is flung aside. A pair of wispy women float before you. You can see right through their shadowy bodies, but their dark eyes are black and opaque.  They pierce you with evil hatred.                                ｩ"Foolish mortals!   We have long awaited for someone to release us. Damius forced us to endure this tapestry of imprisonment.  He shall pay for his folly. So shall you!"                                                                                      ヾimilar statues have been positioned in each corner of the room. The remaining statues animate to avenge their unearthly brother.                                                                                                                              ñThe commander advances forward to inspect the "mice" that have fallen prey to his trap. "Puny creatures! Who amongst you will consent to a duel with me? If one of you can defeat me in battle, all will be free to go.  The only condition is...              杵o one else may interfere. If you lose or refuse to take up my challenge, you will all die!" Will one of you consent to duel the commander?                                                                                                                    觝ou blink your eyes uncertainly.  Your gaze is drawn to the eastern wall.  It appears to be shimmering.  The floor shows several dusty footprints.  They all lead to the foot of the wall and suddenly stop.  No footprints lead away.                         悩ou discover a parchment lying on the passageway floor.  The parchment's wax seal remains unbroken.  Do you wish to break open the seal and read it?                                                                                                           ｹThe letters squirm about the page.  Finally, they stop moving, and you are able to read them.  It reads: "Fools!  Thieves!  Nobody is allowed in my secret chamber.  I will destroy you!"                                                                      5The parchment bursts into a horrendous ball of flame.                                                                                                                                                                                                          lThe wall appears quite solid.  All attempts to pass through the wall to return to the other side are futile.                                                                                                                                                   ìLarge hairy beasts are caged inside a  holding pen.  You suspect that the giants use them as hunting animals. They are aggressive and temperamental. They move restlessly.  Their cramped quarters  engenders brief flashes of infighting.                     ùGreat flightless birds are packed into this cell. Although they're quite huge, a giant would consider them the size of a chicken. The giants are using them as livestock.  The immense birds gawk hungrily at you. They seem to think that you're dinner.      FLoud clucking sounds come from up the hallway.  Feathers fill the air.                                                                                                                                                                                          Further down the hall, the sounds of vicious snarling and growling passes right through a pair of large heavy doors.  The creatures inside must be quite savage.                                                                                               CA squad of combat troops is stationed here as guards.  They attack!                                                                                                                                                                                            ðBy pressing your ear to the door, you can make out the muffled voices of a pair of giants.  Together they poke fun and insult the bugbears' squad leader.  The bugbears are not amused.  Tempers are beginning to flare.  Do you wish to attack?               ﾋThe bugbears' tempers get the best of them.  You hear the sound of swords being drawn. There are brief screams of agony.   After a moment, the door flings open revealing a large bugbear covered in blood.                                                    ﾏIt is shocked and surprised to see you standing there.  You see the bodies of two dead giants and a slain bugbear lying on the floor.  Seven smaller bugbears stand frozen about the room.  Do you attack them?                                                ùIf other giants should discover these murders, the bugbears will surely be tortured and put to death. They rush past you and dash for the stairs.  The idea of pinning the blame on you for the giants' deaths never even crosses their simplistic minds.      ｷSeveral distinct voices appear to be engaged in heated conversation on the other side of this door.  The discussion seems to revolve around guarding something.  Do you wish to attack?                                                                        cA squad of bugbears bursts through a door from the west.  They investigate the source of the noise.                                                                                                                                                            ¥Flanked by commanders, a large giant emerges from the door to personally handle the problem.                                                                                                                                                                   lA few mortally wounded giants and bugbears lie about the room.  Life oozes from wounds that will never heal.                                                                                                                                                   ﾟYour gaze is drawn to the commanding presence of a large, polished oak desk. Fine antique chairs are arranged around it in a semicircle.  Giant-sized plate armor statues stand guard between bookcases of leather-bound books.                                õYou search the desk and find a map displaying the location of a special iron pin.  Pulling this pin will result in a collapse of the entire fortress.  It was created to be used during an emergency situation requiring abandonment of the premises.          産ou ponder pursuing this course of action. If you can reach the pin and pull it, it would bring the entire structure down in a heap of rubble.                                                                                                                 探he chief's treasure trove.  If he had endeavored to use some of these items in  his battle against you, the battle could have swung in his favor.                                                                                                             …The pin slides with ease from the floor.  As soon as it's removed, rumbling vibrations build upwards in a crescendo from deep below the ground.   Grit and mortar fall loose from the ceiling.  The fortress is doomed.  Time is short.  You are not safe here.øThe map from the chief's desk pinpoints a  fake stone.  You locate the stone, pry it up, and discover a small pit.  A thick iron ring lies at the pit's bottom.  Closer examination shows that the ring is attached to a metal pin sunk into the ground.       ｽThe giants' inherent warlike nature takes control.  Their commander specifically ordered them to let you go if your champion was successful.  Instead, they disobey direct orders and attack.                                                                  狼he main structure of the castle is no longer able to support its own weight.  So ends the life of this once mighty fortress and all those still within.                                                                                                       ｷThe structure begins to crumble.  Large sections of wall fall all around.  Giants and bugbears run amok.  Desperate attempts are made to escape the fortress before its final collapse.                                                                        錢 closed door stands directly to the east.  A symbolic glyph has been carved into the marble floor just in front of the door.  The carving looks like it has been done recently.  You are unable to interpret the meaning of the glyph.                        ﾎSuddenly, the glyph explodes throwing small pieces of marble about the room.  The pieces form into hideous creatures with gaping mouths of sharp teeth.  With shrill, piercing screams, they bear down on you.                                                 ,The glyph glows with an intense green light.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   IYou do not touch the glyph. You successfully pass by it without incident.                                                                                                                                                                                      tYou depart from the fortress' main floor and begin to ascend stairs.  They lead upwards to the fortress' only tower.                                                                                                                                           ﾂYou are at the entrance to the ice giant fortress.  Off to the southwest, your vision is able to discern a small town that appears to be inhabited by humans.  Do you wish to enter the fortress?                                                              ùYou smell smoke.  It drifts from deep within the forest.  You seek out the source of the smoke and come upon a trio of old hags.  The three hover attentively over a large iron pot.  Their mixture emits an evil, foul odor.  The three must be witches.      {Do you wish to destroy the kettle and its contents?   OR   Do you wait to see what will happen when it is finished cooking?                                                                                                                                    膾ou roll the pot off its legs and spill the sickly contents onto the grass.  An evil  abomination, half man and half undefinable creature, emerges.  The creature is covered in smelly mucus.  A large gem is embedded in its chest.                           概he three witches escape onto a hidden dirt path back into the forest.  They quickly disappear from sight.  Do you attempt to follow them?                                                                                                                     蘂fter about twenty minutes, the pot begins to shake violently spilling some of its contents.  A large sword-wielding creature emerges.  It disdainfully surveys the compound.  The glowing eyes seem to penetrate through everything.                          ﾇYou manage to travel only a few paces down the dirt path before you are  assaulted by magic.  When the dust clears, you are confronted by the three witches along with two large sword-wielding brutes.                                                        ©The witches cast a spell over the beast.  Its eyes glaze over in a state of apathy.  It now appears willing to obey their every whim.  From a nearby pile of stuffed burlap sacks, the witches drag out a dead human body.  They lay it flat on the ground...  õand plunge a dagger into the chest.  Two of the witches mumble a strange prayer to an unknown god.  A large gem appears from thin air.  They thrust the gem into the corpse's chest.  The body is then placed in the pot, and the ritual begins anew.          ﾘSuddenly, the newborn brute spots you hiding among the bushes and lets out an enraged roar.  Similar brutes immediately emerge from a dirt path behind the witches.  The witches and brutes join forces and attack you.                                        ìThree fire giants are drilling a squad of stygian trolls in the fortress courtyard.  One of the trolls spots you.  He bellows out a sharp cry of alarm.  The exercises come to an abrupt halt when the others become aware of your presence.                   òYou enter a large foyer.  The walls are lined with wooden pegs.  All are heavily laden with cloaks and ponchos.  Muddy boots of endless shape and variety  clutter the floor's edges.  Several giants and minotaurs mill about the congested room.             )A squad of minotaurs guards this hallway.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ｬMass quantities of barrels have been stacked and stored in this room.  You pry the lid off one barrel to determine its contents.  The barrel is filled to the brim with oil.                                                                                   6What a mess!  You are now standing in two feet of oil.                                                                                                                                                                                                         典he huge amount of oil in this room could be a potentially explosive fire hazard.  Thoughts of caution and danger suddenly become horrible reality.                                                                                                             If the explosion does not kill you, the collapse of the fortress will.  The entire fortress is ready to explode.   Tons upon tons of rock shall be your undoing.                                                                                               兀ou set fire to the string that protrudes from the firesticks.  Sparks fly as it slowly burns.  You watch in a state of edginess.  It will not take long.                                                                                                      ｵA thunderous boom racks the citadel.  Its very foundations tremble in alarm.  Upon the firesticks' explosion, burning oil erupts from the room and spreads throughout the fortress.                                                                            1A patrol approaches.  Do you wish to attack them?                                                                                                                                                                                                              ﾜYou open the door to this cell.  Half a dozen humans sit huddled on the floor in chains.  By the looks of them, they have not been allowed to bathe or eat very often.  Do you free them so that they may attempt an escape?                                   òThey thank you for the opportunity.  All rush out the cell door.  Within moments, you hear a stygian troll barking orders to a squad of minotaurs commanding them to attack the human escapees.  Alarm gongs begin to sound off all over the area.             OThis cell displays the bodies of several dead dwarves chained against the wall.                                                                                                                                                                                öSix elves are chained to a wall.  Six orcs are chained to the wall directly opposite them.  It's obvious that they haven't been here long, since they're all in very good health.  They offer to pledge their lives to you, if you free them.  Do you?         ñYou spare them some equipment so that they're partially armed.  Just as you're about to leave the cell, a large patrol of stygian trolls passes by.  One looks through the cell door peephole, notices the empty chains, and alerts his comrades.              \You help the wounded as much as possible.  They're aware of the importance of your mission and beg you to continue without them.                                                                                                                               ïThis must be the living quarters of a high level giant warrior.  Many pieces of fine polished armor and weaponry embellish the room.  You conduct a hasty, overall search of the premises.  A large iron chest contains some items of interest.                sOne of the weapons on the walls glows with an intense brilliance.  Such luminosity can only come from STRONG magic.                                                                                                                                            öA pair of enchanters stand behind the door.  Startled, they abruptly finish capping a small bottle.  One immediately turns toward a back room and cries out in alarm.  He attempts to warn others of your presence and call for help at the same time.         øYou make short work of the enchanters.  Caught off guard, they stood little chance against such seasoned adventurers.  The giants in the back room are a different matter.  They're experienced warriors and were warned of your presence ahead of time.       ﾑThe troops you just slew were quite well- to-do.  Just prior to their fateful encounter, they had been enjoying a game of bones.  A heaping pile of gold and gems sits abandoned in the midst of a gaming circle.                                              躡ou enter a magnificent wizard's lab.  The elaborate equipment and intricate set up looks advanced beyond your wildest imagination.  Electricity bounces among strange bronze globes.  Liquids portraying every color of the rainbow...                        ｡boil in beakers of every shape and size.     While you stand awestruck by your surroundings, the lab's intelligent creator happens to be staring intently at you.                                                                                              綺our attention suddenly focuses on a giant enchanter.  He is surrounded by strange creatures in a far corner of the lab.  You are conscious of the fact that they are engaging in conversation.  Their means of communication is...                            útelepathy. Its nature is so strong, you can almost feel their words in your mind.  You  suddenly feel compelled to stand very still and quiet.  Within moments, you regain your wits.  However, it's too late.  You have fallen victim to a mind attack...     {of the most subtle kind.  Your delay has given your enemy the upper hand.  They assault you with an all-out mental barrage.                                                                                                                                    òYou pause at a large circular room.  A fire giant stands with his back to the door screaming at a group of giants who have their eyes deferentially fixated on the floor.  He severely berates their failure to find and dispose of the intruders.             ﾌIn addition to the commander, there are fully two dozen giants in this room.  One of the lower ranking giants, young and foolish, risks a glance upward at the commander.  He spots you and shouts an alarm.                                                   õYou step into a well-furnished room.  Weary and haggard, a giant enchanter sits sobbing at a table.  He hears you enter the room and stops to wipe his runny nose.  "Go ahead!  Kill me!  I don't care.  I have lost everything to that devil Utris."          ÷"A few weeks ago, I was the master enchanter for Chief Blackthorne.  One of my experiments on a wild creature failed.  The beast ran amok and killed the chief's son.  Never one to miss an opportunity, Utris denounced my work.  Chief Blackthorne...        ﾝstripped me of my title, destroyed all my work, and appointed Utris the new Master Enchanter.  I swear I shall destroy Utris or die in the attempt.  If you will help me, I shall reward you with my last worthy possession."                                  é"Good!  Together we shall show Utris what it means to fail.  Come with me!"  He leads you to a secret laboratory that Utris has set up to conduct his experiments.  "Whatever you do, do not look him in the eye.  He is very adept in...                      ﾂways of the mind.  I have no doubt that he used these mind control skills on Blackthorne to secure his appointment as the new master.  Now!  Let us deal Utris the failure he so richly deserves."                                                             ëWith the aid of your new friend, you are able to sneak up on Utris.  He is conducting a vile experiment on a small lamb.  The animal's skull has swollen to an immense size.  A group of Anti'Ids helping Utris, gaze at the large brain...                    蚩f the helpless animal as you might eye a duck that has been roasted to perfection.  You attempt to swallow your revulsion at the foul experiment.  You burst into the room more determined than ever to slay Master Enchanter Utris.                          躡ou attend to your wounded friend.  "My friends, I must fulfill my promise.  This item will serve you faithfully."  He pulls a small human-size dagger from his belt.  Though it is too small for him to wield, it fits your hand well.                        ñHe does nothing to stop you.  Except for a map revealing the location of a secret lab, your search produces little of interest.  Upon this impudent violation of his inner sanctum, the former master enchanter heart brokenly abandons the room.              DHe puts up no struggle and quickly succumbs to your ruthless blades.                                                                                                                                                                                           ｵA minotaur rests on a large cot.  He sits up as you enter.  Groggy from sleep, he is not totally aware of what's going on.  Do you rush him before he can regain control of his wits?                                                                          xYou hear the old enchanter yell warnings about intruders in the fortress.  A squad of minotaurs shows up to investigate.                                                                                                                                       ﾏClearing its head, the large minotaur quickly reaches under its cot and pulls out a large sack of yellow crystals.  The minotaur grabs a handful, scatters them about the floor, and utters some strange words.                                                杁he room is filled to the brim with arrows and quivers.  A jolly whistling tune carries over from the other side of a small wall that divides the room in two.                                                                                                 鏥he castle fletchers sit on sturdy stools  busily whistling and creating additional arrows.  At your approach, they take up bows and nock arrows.  Before you can take cover, they let fly.  The magical arrows resemble flaming comets.                       甬his barracks houses the main force of minotaurs.  There are about twenty or so troops here.  They all appear to be sleeping soundly.  A large door is on the other side of the room.  Do you make an attempt to get to the door?                              欝he minotaurs from the barracks have been hot on your trail.  You must have left a sign of your passing.  Now they have caught up to you.                                                                                                                      'You stumble on a patrol of fire giants.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        蒐umerous giants feast ravenously at long wooden tables.  With eager anticipation, they shove tables and crockery aside to make room for battle.                                                                                                                ôThe smelly, unsanitary kitchen is deserted.  Pots of foul gruel sit abandoned on a counter.  Grease and dried bits of food coat the kitchen surfaces.  The door can be bolted from within.  This room may serve as a potentially safe place to rest.           ^"Why, I'm here to keep the ants out!   Would you like some poison to keep them critters away?"                                                                                                                                                                 ©You peek into a large pot and find it stuffed with giant ant body parts.  A thick mold is swiftly growing over the dead ants.  Inside one of the cabinets, you locate two separate vials.  You have a choice of Ant Repellent versus Ant Poison.  The vial...  Xlabeled Ant Repellent reads, "Drink to repel ants."  An iron key lies next to the vials.                                                                                                                                                                       îYou behold a vast battle.  Many bone crabs struggle for their lives against an endless torrent of giant ants.  The crabs crush dozens of the ants, but they're slowly succumbing to these en masse mindless kamikazes.  Do you enter the fray?                 ﾅA long sword is embedded in the carapace of a dead crab.  The crab was stabbed  long ago and the weapon was never retrieved.  It's likely that the owner of the sword did not survive the engagement.                                                          SYou encounter a group of tormented souls. They wish to reclaim what you have taken.                                                                                                                                                                            唳ou are approached by a patrol of Baron Vlad's troops.  They order you to leave the area.  If you refuse, they threaten to use force.  Do you attack them?                                                                                                     4You are attacked by a patrol of Baron Vlad's troops.                                                                                                                                                                                                           澣he portly priest who runs this temple is rude and curt.  He informs you that their small, peaceful community is  self-sufficient and wants nothing to do with worldly outsiders.  He asks that you leave this house of worship.                               ﾇA stout priest spots the Tomb of Shalizar jutting from one of your sacks.  "Ah, fine people!  I see that you have recovered one of my lost scriptures.  Would you care to return it to me for a price?"                                                        úYou come upon a small krise child.  The trembling child huddles in a dark, dank corner of the cave.  You kneel down in friendship.  The child cries that it wants to go home, but it is afraid of the great beast.  Do you help the child get home safely?     ðThe scaly little critter leads you deep into the tunnel.  Suddenly, it slips out of sight.  You search around the next bend and are immediately attacked by a large party of krise.  They use large, trained cave lizards to aid them in battle.               XSeveral of the krise possess large nets.  They apparently intended to capture you alive.                                                                                                                                                                       ﾆYou traveled late into the night and finally made camp just outside the gates of the city of Northgate.  You awaken to a beautiful summer morn.  Eager to check out Northgate, you hastily break camp.                                                         ﾖYou have traveled the Realmz far and wide in search of adventure.  Rumors of trouble brewing in Northgate have irresistibly drawn you here.  Every seasoned adventurer knows that danger and treasure go hand in hand.                                         qAll hearty souls, prepare!  Polish your boots and sharpen those blades!  You are about to Assault Giant Mountain!                                                                                                                                              □A well-stocked storeroom.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      欝he fire sticks ignite setting off a tumultuous explosion.  In a roiling inferno, the fortress of the fire giants is totally obliterated.                                                                                                                      ™You stand at the foot of a mighty fortress.  Raucous, booming laughter comes from within.  A giant emerges from a massive iron gate.  His approach is slow and deliberate.  His eyes speak of timeless age, but his body appears extremely powerful and alert. ™"I am Lequtus, creator and master of all giant kin.  My children lie broken at your feet, and still you seek to destroy me.  I am aware of all your deeds, and you will pay dearly for the havoc you have caused.  You will know the vengeance of the master." ﾕ"For many years, I have lain in a dormant state.  I rested and gathered my strength until it was time to once again rise and set the Realmz free.  Your puny kind have defiled this majestic world for far too long."                                          …"You have spread like an infectious disease, destroying all that you touch.  I, Lequtus shall set all to right.  The  prophesies of the gods shall be fulfilled."  The fiery speech comes to an abrupt end.  A warbling sound reverberates throughout the area.öGiants pour en masse through the massive iron gate Lequtus just emerged from.  They quickly form a skirmish line and begin to chant.  They do not speak in a giant tongue.  You are unable to interpret the meaning of this peculiar, rhythmic speech.         aWith a gesture from Lequtus, the entire force of giants rushes you with bold, vehement intensity.                                                                                                                                                              覘equtus lies mortally wounded on the blood soaked ground.  "Fools!  You cannot destroy me!  The gods watch over me as if I were one of their own babes.  I may be forced to surrender this mortal shell, but my essence will live on."                         û"As before, hundreds of restful years will allow me to return and fight yet again for my rightful power.  Until then, the world will suffer for my absence."  Amid harsh laughter, his body and castle turn to dissipating smoke.  Only his clothes remain.    øThe good news reaches the king and you are sent for.  You personally relate the triumph over Lequtus and explain that the Realmz may now expect peace for the next several hundred years.  The king expresses gratitude and pride in your  achievements.       ﾏThe king's knights attend a grand ceremony in your honor.  The king inducts you into knighthood.  Fanfare and joyous revelry take over the city.  You are conferred the esteemed title "Upholders of the Code".                                                紮rom beneath the loose folds of his majestic robe, he pulls out a flail and a ring etched with fine, delicate engraving.  "My friends, these are prized possessions.  They have been in my family longer than anyone can remember."                            ú"I can never truly repay you for your heroism.  All I can do is offer you my most cherished possessions. Take care. They are priceless and irreplaceable."  Although grateful, the king relinquishes these treasures with difficulty and abruptly departs.     ､So ends your great journey.  The bards are already composing.  Numerous songs will be passed on for eons and sung in remembrance of "The Assault On Giant Mountain".                                                                                           ﾆYou have accomplished the main goal behind this scenario.  However, you may not have investigated your surroundings in depth.  Please feel free to explore.  You never know what lies around the bend.                                                         ジith growing annoyance, you fidget with the anvil trying to get a reaction.  Your efforts seem to have no effect.  Nothing happens.                                                                                                                            ©You place Giant Slayer on the anvil.  Violet smoke appears out of thin air.  The smoke swirls and tightly compacts.  It transforms into a dense hammer and slams down hard upon Giant Slayer.  With a sharp clash, the sword shatters into a thousand shards.  ﾛThe ground shakes and rumbles beneath your feet.  Suddenly, in your mind's eye you see a mighty fortress.  It stands alone and defiant on a barren island surrounded by an unknown sea.  The sea begins to bubble and boil.                                    鷓ou stare in bewilderment.  Large rocks heave up from beneath the choppy waves  forming a solid path to the fortress.  Although you witness these events only within the confines of your mind, you know that they are actually occurring.                     ^Many dwarven clerics rush about completing their daily chores.  They offer you their services.                                                                                                                                                                 ÷Some elders recite the legend of an ancient relic.  This relic is a massive iron Anvil that has been safely preserved in their temple for seven hundred years.    The legend foretells, "They that covet the Anvil shall receive their just rewards."          õThe dwarves widely believed that the Anvil's possessor would somehow be able to use the Anvil's secret inner power to retrieve Ashblet.  Now that the precious Axe of Ashblet has been returned, the dwarves have lost interest in the ancient Anvil.          ジhen the head of the Clerical Order of Gristoon learns about the return of the Axe of Ashblet, he bequeaths you the mystical Anvil.                                                                                                                            QThe shoreline is guarded by a large contingent of fire giants and stygian trolls.                                                                                                                                                                              ﾓ"This map was given to me by an old hermit.  I have been searching for a mysterious island that may be the last known location of Clan Forgefire.  I believe that they have the Anvil of Pain in their possession."                                            ﾞA large empty chest has been ripped open.  No evidence has been left behind that will provide a clue to its former contents.  It appears that the thief thrust a sharp object inside the chest's keyhole and damaged the lock.                                 典he damaged chest was just a clever illusion.  In fact, it has not been touched.  A sturdy lock prevents you from opening it.  You defeat the lock.                                                                                                            ;You open the chest to reveal several powerful magical item.                                                                                                                                                                                                    iAs you contemplate the box and what to do with it, Thoode slips out the door and begins yelling for help.                                                                                                                                                      CThis particular cave serves as home to thousands of repulsive bats.                                                                                                                                                                                            ,A group of young dragons guard this passage.                                                                                                                                                                                                                   ðYou come across a pair of drunk, staggering gnomes.  They are laughing so hard, they can barely stand upright.  You question their amusement.  "Oh!  We saw two dwarves swimmin' in de lake.  Ha!  Dey was splashin' about like a pair of fish."               ﾐ"Tis our guess, dey won't last too long.  Dey was still wearin' all kinds of gear on der backs.  Dem back packs were soaked!"  They stumble on down the path laughing and boasting about who can drink the most.                                               ûYou spot a gnath desperately running from a trio of the king's men.  It is bellowing in pain and trying to quench a flow of blood.  Its left arm has been reduced to nothing but a bloody stump.  The king's men catch the poor gnath and slay it as sport.    òThe warriors are about to summon a cart to tote the body away when several stray dogs pounce on the carcass.  The warriors laugh and decide to let the dogs have their fill.  They nonchalantly walk away  debating the merits of a gambling game.             ､You inspect the remains.  The warriors should have done this as a matter of course.  If they had, they would have discovered an interesting map on the gnath's body.                                                                                           úA voice suddenly shrieks in terror.  You spin around and see several large humanoid-shaped creatures descend on a  cowering woman.  One breaks her neck with an efficient snap.  Flinging her body over its shoulder, it carries it like a small knapsack.     ﾇThere are six of these foul creatures.  Each one is effortlessly toting a dead human over one of their shoulders.  Several are toting two or three.  Do you wish to put a stop to this grizzly harvest?                                                        ﾔYou find a small leather bound book on one of the slain creatures.  It is written in an unfamiliar language.  One page contains a detailed map.  You tear the page out.  It could be helpful in your future travels.                                           ﾟA small group of the king's men are in the area.  They rush to aid you in repelling these foul invaders.  Two orc warriors are also nearby.  Never ones to miss a good fight, the two large brutes eagerly join in on the fray.                                ﾙThe minotaur commander takes the document.  He reads it slowly while rubbing his hairy chin in deep thought.  He speaks, "For too long, we have held our tongue about the treachery the gnaths and ogres are capable of."                                      ﾖ"No more!  We must destroy these vermin before they have the chance to destroy us!"  He commands his warriors to let you pass unharmed.  Orders are sent to alert the other platoons to rally.  Squads of minotaurs...                                         緘ather in the courtyard.  Preparations are made to attack the gnaths and ogres.  You  pity any gnath or ogre that crosses paths with this mighty, remorseless army.  The commander turns to you, "You have done us a great service.                            qA strong odor of natural gas hangs about the area.  You recall a similar smell from many caverns you've explored.                                                                                                                                              ÷A large contingent of troops is making for the city.  The commander acknowledges your presence but makes no move to meet with you.  The troops hurriedly press onward towards the city.  When they are about a league away, the contingent is ambushed.        ｴA large force of hill giants and bugbears charge down from a nearby rocky slope.  The giants rain large boulders down upon the contingent of troops.  Do you rush to join the fight?                                                                           ðThe contingent's wounded commander  clasps your hands in heartfelt thanks.  "My good people, we heard of your strife and were determined to come to your aid.  Instead, you have had to aid us."  The commander smiles then turns to his troops.               øThe wounded have been tended to.  The steeds have rested and been loaded with fresh supplies.  Those troops who are able will continue the journey onward.  "May the gods continue to watch over you!" shouts the commander.  He sets out for Northgate.       ìA patrol of Lord Jerico's men begin to approach you.  Suddenly, a raid breaks out on the other side of the village.  They quickly turn to the more serious threat.  Do you wish to aid them as a means of favorably ingratiating yourselves?                   ﾕThe highest ranking member of the royal guard thanks you for your honorable assistance and hands down the following decree:  None of Lord Jerico's storm trooper contingent may bar you from any portion of the city.                                          □A small storage room.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          aYou spot a pair of dwarven warriors during the fray.  They are sorely pressed and bleeding badly.                                                                                                                                                              rThe dwarf looks extremely ill.  He is slowly wasting away.  Puss drips from open sores that cover his entire body.                                                                                                                                             ]You find a small scrap of paper on one of the dead.  The word "Fantasoft" is scratched on it.                                                                                                                                                                  ﾎBeyond the citadel to the southeast lies a large valley.  The open land promises a future brimming with danger and adventure.  However, you first must get past the large fortress that now stands before you.                                                 ｵA large group of highly alert warriors guard the front door to the club.  It would be impossible to battle your way past, and   reinforcements would immediately respond to aid them.                                                                          øYou encounter a long, fat snake of terrifying proportions.  A building would flatten under its immense weight. This beast is easily five times the size of the large snakes you met earlier and appears quite old.  A large bulge near its midsection...       ｹreveals the digestion of a rather large meal.  Your imagination runs wild.  What could it possibly swallow to create such a fantastic bulge?  Do you wish to tackle this immense reptile?                                                                      ﾆTremendously burdened by its heavy meal, the lethargic worm can barely lift its head.  The beast proves incapable of properly defending itself.  You quickly dispose of the loathsome, lumbering worm.                                                         öYou slit the worm's belly to reveal its last meal.  A fully grown, partially digested fire giant is inside.  You pull a small human-size diary from one of the giant's pockets.  Most of the pages have been exposed to the worm's digestive juices...         òand have deteriorated.  A few of the inner pages remain and are somewhat legible.  The giant was apparently on a mission to recover the ancient artifact known as "Giant Slayer" - a bane to all giant kin.  The giant's mission was to destroy...             ﾒGiant Slayer by using a magical relic known as "The Anvil of Pain".  While you are studying the diary, you hear the slithering of yet another oncoming worm in the distance.  It would be best to move on quickly.                                             ﾘIntent on rejoining the ranks of the surface dwellers, you eagerly withdraw from the overwhelming stench of snake guano.  As the old saying goes, "It's better to be a pauper on the surface, than king of the molemen."                                       □"Saviors of the Realmz"                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        )"Defenders of All That Is Right and Just"                                                                                                                                                                                                                      9You find a small supply of rations stuffed in the corner.                                                                                                                                                                                                      ﾐYou see a large number of foot prints milling about the shoreline of a large underground lake to the west.  They look to be the prints of dwarven warriors.  Dwarven patrols must pass by this area quite often.                                               øA young man with a dirty leather jerkin and rusty short sword approaches you.  "Hello good travelers.  My name is Aspin and I welcome you to our fine town.  Even in times of strife we welcome strangers.  I see that you enjoy to travel as much as I.       ｿI am in need of company for the lads that I use to band with have all been killed in the raids.  Would you have room for one more in your company?"   Do you wish to let Aspin join your party?                                                                h"Thank you my friends.  Im sure that together, we can all achieve greater glory in our quest for glory."                                                                                                                                                       □Vestron bids you farewell.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ﾟIt is not often that those of your kind show those of our kind any sign of goodwill.  Take this as a symbol of our thanks.  I hope it helps you as it has my people."  The commander extends to you his mighty throwing hammer.                                ｰThe commander bows to you and bids you farewell.  You examine the mighty weapon as the force of minitours make ready to set the record straight concerning the ogres and gnaths.                                                                               ﾇIn a final defiant effort to destroy those that have caused it's own death, the Anti'Ids releases a mind bomb.  The mind bomb shredds it's own mind but in the process unleashes a deadly mental pulse.                                                        禝he corpse of a large creature is strapped to a night blue alter.  It has been gutted and it's entrails are piled in several mounds about a demonic looking symbol in the floor.  The acrid smell of death hangs heavy in the air.                             +This secret passage pushes you to the west.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    RYou hear him laugh at you, "Is that the best you can do!  Send another... Please!"